Phrase guide

burn bread

verb · 1 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 cause something unfortunate to happen to (someone) by mentioning it; to jinx something for (someone).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, often

Qualifier: African-American Vernacular

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the idea that burning bread brings bad luck or is indicative of unfortunate things to come.