Definition

A type of furniture, like a cabinet or bookcase, that has a middle part sticking out more than the sides.

Example

The antique breakfront in the dining room displayed beautiful china and glassware.

Conversation

I just got a new breakfront for my living room.

Oh really? That sounds nice!

Yeah, it has a beautiful glass display to show off my collectibles.

That’s awesome! I can’t wait to see it in person.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Breakfront is formed from "break" (from Old English "brecan", meaning to shatter or separate) and "front" (from Latin "frons", meaning forehead or front part). The word describes a type of furniture that has a front that is broken or protruding, typically used for display purposes.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'shatters' or 'separates' ('break') at the 'front' — that's why a breakfront is a piece of furniture with a protruding front.

Visually Confused Words