break·through
ˈbrāk-ˌthrü 
plural breakthroughs
1
a
: a sudden advance especially in knowledge or technique
a medical breakthrough
b
: a person's first notable success
—often used before another noun
a breakthrough novel
the actress's breakthrough performance
2
a
: an act or instance of moving through or beyond an obstacle
a breakthrough in the talks between the region's leaders
a breakthrough agreement
b
: an instance of passing through a barrier or protection
The ice under the surface begins to deteriorate, increasing the risk of breakthroughs.—
Vicki Winger
Vicki Winger
specifically, medical
: infection occurring in someone who is fully vaccinated against an infectious agent
A vaccine breakthrough occurs when a person tests positive for COVID-19 two weeks after being fully vaccinated against the disease … —David Rasbach
—often used before another noun David Rasbach Two other CDC studies of breakthrough cases at nursing homes showed the vaccines protected residents, even when the virus spread through the homes. —Maura Dolan
Maura Dolan … the academy recently recommended that children receive two doses of the chicken pox vaccine, rather than just one, because the additional dose bolsters immunity and may help reduce breakthrough infection. —Maria Raven
Maria Raven 3
warfare
: an offensive military assault that penetrates and carries beyond a defensive line
broke through; broken through; breaking through; breaks through
: to make a breakthrough
Synonyms
Examples of breakthrough in a Sentence
Noun
Researchers say they have made a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
The police have announced a breakthrough in the murder case.
This job could be the breakthrough she's been waiting for.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Beyond lupus, doctors hope CAR-T portends a bigger breakthrough against autoimmune diseases, whose prevalence has been on a troubling rise.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024
Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
The Chargers were struggling to break through in the return game this season, averaging just 10.4 yards per punt return and 23.7 on kick returns.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Also this week, SPORT reported that a Saudi club was ready to offer just under $9 million for Casado ahead of his breakthrough.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Beyond lupus, doctors hope CAR-T portends a bigger breakthrough against autoimmune diseases, whose prevalence has been on a troubling rise.
—Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Did comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s racist joke about Puerto Rico at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally break through?
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024
The Chargers were struggling to break through in the return game this season, averaging just 10.4 yards per punt return and 23.7 on kick returns.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for breakthrough
Articles Related to breakthrough
Dictionary Entries Near breakthrough
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakthrough. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
breakthrough
noun
break·through
ˈbrāk-ˌthrü
: a sudden advance in knowledge or technique
a breakthrough in medical science
Medical Definition
breakthrough
noun
break·through
ˈbrāk-ˌthrü
: infection occurring in someone who is fully vaccinated against an infectious agent
—often used before another noun
breakthrough infections
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share