break up
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Examples
I plan to break up with her.Tôi định sẽ chia tay với cô ấy.
Tatoeba sentence #394802 (CC BY 2.0 FR, tatoeba.org, retrieved 2026-07-31)
Sources & notes
Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Sense 2
Meaning · English
the conclusion of a performance of any kind—originally a school term.
Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)
Where it’s used:
Origin
British & Irish English
Sources & notes
Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “break up” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “break up” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.