newsbreak
C1Formal to neutral, primarily journalistic and media contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A sudden, important piece of news, especially one that interrupts regular programming.
An unexpected development or announcement that captures public attention; can also refer to a scheduled segment in broadcasting dedicated to news updates.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies urgency, importance, and interruption. In broadcasting, it's a structured segment; in general use, it's the news item itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, 'news flash' or 'news bulletin' are often preferred for the interrupting broadcast sense.
Connotations
In AmE, it strongly connotes a broadcast interruption. In BrE, if used, it may sound slightly Americanised.
Frequency
High frequency in American media/journalism; low to medium in British contexts, where alternatives are favoured.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There was a newsbreak about...We interrupt for a newsbreak.The channel aired a newsbreak.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stop the presses! (related idiom for a major newsbreak)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A newsbreak about a merger caused stocks to fluctuate.
Academic
The study's publication was a significant newsbreak in scientific circles.
Everyday
Did you see the newsbreak about the storm warning?
Technical
The software triggers an alert for a priority newsbreak.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The TV had a newsbreak.
- We watched a newsbreak about the football results.
- A major newsbreak interrupted the scheduled film last night.
- The network's decision to prioritise the political newsbreak over the cultural documentary sparked debate among viewers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of NEWS breaking through your regular schedule like a wave BREAKing on the shore.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEWS IS A FORCE (that breaks through barriers/routines).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'новоломка'. Use 'срочное сообщение', 'экстренный выпуск новостей', or 'новостная сенсация' depending on context.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'newsbreak' to mean a pause from news (correct: 'news break' as two words).
- Confusing it with 'break news' (to reveal news).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'newsbreak' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to an important news item or broadcast segment, it is one word: 'newsbreak'. A 'news break' (two words) refers to a pause or interval in news coverage.
They are very similar. 'Breaking news' is more common and emphasises the ongoing, developing nature of the story. 'Newsbreak' often refers more specifically to the broadcast act of interrupting with that news.
Yes, though it's more frequent in broadcast contexts. In print/online, it might be used in headlines or to describe a moment when major news emerged.
It is neutral to formal. It is standard in professional media and journalism but less common in very casual conversation.