broke

Definitions

1. adjective

   Having lost all your money or business, and unable to pay what you owe.

   Examples

   • His shop failed and he was broke within a year.
   • The company went broke after losing its biggest customer.
2. adjective

   Having no money at all.

   Examples

   • I can't go out tonight because I'm broke.
   • She has been broke since she lost her job.
   ≈almsless≈arm≈badly off≈bankrupt≈beggared +51 more
3. adjective

   Not working, because it is damaged. This is informal.

   Examples

   • The old washing machine is broke again.
   • If it isn't broke, don't fix it.
4. adjective

   Lowered in rank as a punishment, especially in the military.

   Examples

   • The officer was broke to private after the trial.
   • He was broke down to sergeant for breaking the rules.
5. noun

   Paper that is thrown away during paper making and then mixed back into pulp.

   Examples

   • The mill reuses broke to save material.
   • Too much broke can change the color of the paper.
6. noun

   In old-fashioned use, a small piece that has broken off something.

   Examples

   • A broke of the vase lay on the floor.
   • He picked up the broke and tried to glue it back.
7. verb

   To arrange deals for other people as a broker.

   Examples

   • She broked deals between farmers and buyers.
   • He broked insurance for small companies in the city.
8. verb

   In old-fashioned use, to act as a go-between in love affairs.

   Examples

   • In the old play, a servant broked between the two lovers.
   • She broked secret meetings for the young couple.
9. verb

   The simple past tense of break.

   Examples

   • He broke his arm playing football.
   • She broke the news gently.
10. verb

    In informal or old-fashioned speech, the past participle of break.

    Examples

    • They had broke every window by the time we arrived.
    • The horse had broke free from the field.