Phrase guide

take five

verb · 2 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 take a short, typically five-minute, break from some activity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US, informal

Examples

  • Hey, stop fighting! Take five, people!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

take a break for five minutes

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The musicians took five during the rehearsal

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: pause, intermit, break

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.