prebreakfast
|pre-break-fast|
/ˌpriːˈbrɛkfəst/
before breakfast
Etymology
'prebreakfast' is formed from the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae' meaning 'before') attached to the noun 'breakfast' (modern English), where 'breakfast' literally means 'to break the fast'.
'prebreakfast' developed as a compound (often written 'pre-breakfast') in modern English by combining the prefix 'pre-' with the established word 'breakfast'. The prefix 'pre-' comes from Latin 'prae', and 'breakfast' evolved from Middle English compounds meaning 'break' + 'fast'.
Initially the components meant 'before' + 'breaking the fast'; over time the compound came to be used straightforwardly to mean 'before breakfast' (applied as adjective, adverb, or noun).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
something (an event, drink, or activity) that takes place before breakfast; a pre-breakfast item or occurrence.
He had a quick prebreakfast of fruit and coffee.
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Adjective 1
happening or done before breakfast; occurring in the period before the morning meal.
She went for a prebreakfast run every morning.
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Adverb 1
before breakfast; in the time prior to having the morning meal.
He usually drinks a glass of water prebreakfast.
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Last updated: 2025/10/03 07:48