breakfast
BRAYK-fahst
Breakfast (noun) means the first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning. Example: “We had eggs and toast for breakfast.”
noun
1
The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.
"We had eggs and toast for breakfast."
"He never skips breakfast before work."
"Breakfast at the little hotel includes fresh bread and strong coffee."
verb
1
To eat the morning meal.
"They breakfasted early before setting off on the hike."
"We usually breakfast on the balcony when the weather is warm."
"She breakfasted on porridge and fruit before the long journey."
How to use breakfast
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe morning meal, or (less commonly) the verb for eating it.
Common pairings
have breakfast
skip breakfast
breakfast in bed
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Word forms
- Plural
- breakfasts
- Third person singular
- breakfasts
- Past tense
- breakfasted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We had eggs and toast for _____.
Etymology
Literally "break fast" — the meal that ends the night's fast since your last meal.
Synonyms
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morning meal
brekkie
first meal
break one's fast
Frequently asked questions
What does “breakfast” mean?
The word “breakfast” means the first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning. In plain terms, the morning meal, or (less commonly) the verb for eating it.
How do you pronounce “breakfast”?
“Breakfast” is pronounced BRAYK-fahst (/ˈbɹeɪkˌfæst/ in IPA).
How do you use “breakfast” in a sentence?
Here is “breakfast” used in a sentence: “We had eggs and toast for breakfast.”
What is another word for “breakfast”?
Words with a similar meaning to “breakfast” include break one's fast.
What part of speech is “breakfast”?
Depending on how it is used, “breakfast” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “breakfast” a common word?
“Breakfast” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “breakfast” have?
“Breakfast” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning.
What is the difference between breakfast and brunch?
Breakfast is the first meal of the day, eaten in the morning soon after waking. Brunch is a later, more relaxed meal that combines breakfast and lunch, usually eaten mid- to late-morning, often at weekends. Brunch tends to be larger and more leisurely, blending morning foods with lunch dishes.
Why is breakfast considered important?
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day because it ends the overnight fast and restores energy after sleep. A morning meal can help concentration and steady hunger through the day. While nutritionists still debate exactly how vital it is, many people find it sets them up well.
What is a typical breakfast?
Typical breakfasts vary by country and taste. Common choices include cereal, toast, eggs, fruit, yoghurt, or porridge, along with tea, coffee, or juice. A traditional cooked English breakfast adds bacon, sausages, and beans. Lighter breakfasts might be just a pastry or a piece of fruit.
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