broke

1 of 2
ˈbrōk How to pronounce broke (audio)
Synonyms of broke

past tense of break

broke

2 of 2

adjective

: penniless
see also:
go for broke

Synonyms of broke

Relevance

Adjective

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Examples of broke in a Sentence

Adjective She is broke and homeless. Can I borrow 10 dollars? I'm broke until payday.
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.
Adjective
Rachel and Monica’s West Village sublet gave way to Hannah and Marnie’s Greenpoint apartment—an address that might be considered laughably unattainable by the broke twentysomethings of today. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 That was about four months after Buc-ee's broke ground near Dayton. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 The Democratic National Committee is both broke and broken, a New York Times bombshell last weekend detailed. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026 News reports warn that Social Security is running out of money, going broke. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for broke

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alteration of broken

First Known Use

Adjective

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of broke was in 1662

Phrases Containing broke

Rhymes for broke

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Browse Nearby Words

brokage
broke
broken
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broke. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

broke

1 of 2

past of break

broke

2 of 2 adjective
ˈbrōk
: having no money : penniless

Medical Definition

broke

past of break

Legal Definition

broke

past of break

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