Broke Meaning
/ˈbɹəʊ̯k/Definition, CEFR level A1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbsimple past of break
verbpast participle of break
Sentence Examples
You broke the rule.
I'd love to go with you to the show, but I'm flat broke.
All the windows broke with the force of the blast.
CEFR Practice Quiz
When the glass fell from the table, it ____ into many tiny pieces.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He ____ his favorite coffee mug when he dropped it on the floor.
Word Origin & History
Ablauted form of break.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Accordingly, he came with a mob the next day; and after they had broke all the windows..."
— 1853, John Welsey, The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, Volume 7, page 261:
"The horse was the grey stallion he aye rode, the very beast he had ridden for many a wager with the wild lads of the Cross Keys. No man but himself durst back it, and it had lamed many a hostler lad and broke two necks in its day."
— 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide:
"If the farmer is seriously injured by the depressed state of the markets, his spirit is broke, and there must ensue a very general discredit with regard to the farming business;"
— 1822, William Wolryche Whitmore, A Letter on the Present State and Future Prospects of Agriculture, page 53:
"I can't get used to living here / While my heart is broke, my tears I cry for you"
— 1973, “Photograph”, in Ringo, performed by Ringo Starr:
"Watkins notified the shop foreman immediately, whereupon the car was inspected and found to have a broke axle."
— 1983, Chicago Transit Authority, CTA Transit News, volume 36, page 8:
Explore More A1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
When the glass fell from the table, it ____ into many tiny pieces.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He ____ his favorite coffee mug when he dropped it on the floor.