breakfast

UK: ˈbrekfəst | US: ˈbrekfəst

Definition

  1. n. the first meal of the day, typically eaten in the morning

  2. vi. to eat the morning meal

Structure
break <end a fast>fast <period without food>
Etymology

The word "breakfast" literally means "to break the fast." It originates from the Old English morgenmete (morning meal), but its modern form combines "break" (to end) and "fast" (abstinence from food). Historically, people would fast overnight and "break" this fast with their first meal in the morning. The term reflects the practical and physiological logic of daily eating patterns.

Examples

  1. I usually have coffee and toast for breakfast.

  2. She skipped breakfast to arrive at work early.

  3. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day.

  4. They breakfasted together before the meeting.

  5. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast buffet.