housebreak

verb

house·​break ˈhau̇s-ˌbrāk How to pronounce housebreak (audio)
housebroke ˈhau̇s-ˌbrōk How to pronounce housebreak (audio) ; housebroken ˈhau̇s-ˌbrō-kən How to pronounce housebreak (audio) ; housebreaking

transitive verb

1
: to make housebroken
2
a
: to teach acceptable social manners to
b
: tame, subdue

Examples of housebreak 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.
Certified dog trainers will visit and work with your dog on housebreaking, pulling on the leash, not coming when called, aggression, nipping and mouthing, jumping on counters, excessive barking and more. — Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2024 A crate can be instrumental in housebreaking a dog or dealing with other issues such as inappropriate chewing. — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 12 June 2017 Sullivan compared her work with Keller to housebreaking a dog. — Elizabeth Engelman, New York Times, 26 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from housebroken

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of housebreak was in 1876

Rhymes for housebreak

See All Rhymes for housebreak

Browse Nearby Words

houseboy
housebreak
housebreaker
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Cite this Entry

“Housebreak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housebreak. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

housebreak

verb
house·​break -ˌbrāk How to pronounce housebreak (audio)
housebroke; housebroken; housebreaking
: to make housebroken

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on housebreak

Nglish: Translation of housebreak for Spanish Speakers

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