breakout session

noun

plural breakout sessions
: a presentation, discussion, or activity that takes place as part of a larger event (such as a conference, convention, or seminar) and for which some of the event's participants temporarily separate themselves from the others
Wednesday's workshop will include two panel discussions … followed by a breakout session with audience input.—Robert Miller
With so many attendees, breakout sessions are essential for one-on-one contact.—Phaedra Hise

Examples of breakout session in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There will also be breakout sessions. — Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 There was a mix of cooldown and breakout sessions during each song, keeping the fans on their toes at all time. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 Attendees could also join a breakout session with Run Gen Z, a group that cultivates young Republican candidates for office. — Gaby Del Valle, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Peppered throughout the day were small-group breakout sessions on topics like growing your social media platforms to help scale your business or organizing your investment accounts (the latter was, admittedly, a bit over this writer’s non-finance head). — Danielle McNally, InStyle, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for breakout session

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakout session was in 1979

Rhymes for breakout session

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Browse Nearby Words

break out in a sweat
breakout session
breakover
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breakout session.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakout%20session. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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