break the/a record

break the/a record

To do something to a higher or greater degree than the greatest extent currently known. With his speed, I think he'll break a record for running before he graduates from high school. If he eats one more hot dog he's going to break the record!See also: break, record

break a record

to destroy a previously set high record by setting a new one. The athlete broke all the school records in swimming. The league record was broken after thirty years.See also: break, record

break the record

1. Surpass a previous achievement, as in He was determined to break the record for the high jump. This usage is applied primarily to sports of various kinds. [1880s] 2. Move very fast, as in The lecture was so dull that we broke the record getting to the door: [Second half of 1900s] See also: break, record