breakout

[ breyk-out ]

noun

1. an escape, often with the use of force, as from a prison or mental institution.
2. an appearance or manifestation, as of a disease, that is sudden and often widespread; outbreak.
3. an itemization; breakdown:

   a hotel bill with a breakout of each service offered.

4. an instance of surpassing any previous achievement:

   a breakout in gold prices.

5. the act or process of removing and disassembling equipment that has been used in drilling a well.

adjective

1. of or constituting a sudden increase, advance, or unexpected success:

   The director has finally scored with a breakout movie.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breakout¹

First recorded in 1810–20; noun use of verb phrase break out

Example Sentences

Sydney Sweeney, since her breakout role in HBO’s “Euphoria,” has worked to prove she has much more to offer than just her looks.

From Los Angeles Times

Sweeney, one of Hollywood's biggest breakout stars of recent years, went on to discuss why this might be the case.

From BBC

Petrosian scored twice on breakouts in the last 35 seconds of the third quarter to give Cleveland a commanding seven-goal lead.

From Los Angeles Times

His breakout hit, Stargazing, has achieved worldwide acclaim, been platinum-certified and even featured on former US President Barack Obama's summer playlist.

From BBC

His breakout role in a popular soap opera titled “Love and Truth” in 1984 led to a heady career as a national heartthrob.

From Los Angeles Times