Phrase guide

break ground

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally

Examples

  • They broke ground on the new library last month.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • The invention breaks ground in its programming and its structure.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To lift off the sea bottom when being weighed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To separate from the ground on takeoff; to become airborne.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: raivata — to begin digging at the start of a new construction or for cultivation
  • Finnish: pistää lapio maahan — to begin digging at the start of a new construction or for cultivation
  • Polish: rozpoczynać budowę — to begin digging at the start of a new construction or for cultivation
  • Polish: rozpocząć budowę — to begin digging at the start of a new construction or for cultivation
  • Finnish: olla uraauurtava — to initiate a new venture; to advance beyond previous achievements
  • Polish: wprowadzać przełom — to initiate a new venture; to advance beyond previous achievements
  • Polish: wprowadzić przełom — to initiate a new venture; to advance beyond previous achievements
  • Polish: podnosić się z dna morza podczas ważenia — nautical: of an anchor, to lift off the sea bottom
  • Polish: podnieść się z dna morza podczas ważenia — nautical: of an anchor, to lift off the sea bottom
  • Finnish: nousta ilmaan — aviation: to separate from the ground on takeoff
  • Finnish: lähteä lentoon — aviation: to separate from the ground on takeoff
  • French: décoller — aviation: to separate from the ground on takeoff
  • Polish: wzbijać się w powietrze — aviation: to separate from the ground on takeoff
  • Polish: wzbić się w powietrze — aviation: to separate from the ground on takeoff