commercial break — A pause in a television or radio program for advertisements
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A pause in a television or radio program for advertisements
Pronunciation (IPA): /kəˈmɜːrʃəl breɪk/
Example Sentences
- I always grab snacks during the commercial break, but somehow the show starts again when I'm still in the kitchen.
- The commercial break lasted so long that I forgot what show I was watching.
- Please stay tuned - we'll return after this commercial break.
commercial break
NOUN[/kəˈmɜːrʃəl breɪk/]
A pause in a television or radio program for advertisements
A pause in a television or radio program for advertisements
After the commercial wake, it's time for another commercial take!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Commercial derives from Latin commercium (trade, commerce), from com- (together) and merx (merchandise). Break originates from Old English brecan (to break, shatter). The compound term emerged in broadcasting to describe interruptions in programming where advertisements are inserted, literally 'breaking' the continuity of a program for commercial purposes.
Breakdown
com- (together) + merx (merchandise) → commercium (trade); brecan (to break, shatter) from Old English. The phrase combines the Latin-derived 'commercial' with Old English 'break,' signifying an interruption in broadcast content for advertising.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I always grab snacks during the commercial break, but somehow the show starts again when I'm still in the kitchen.”
“The commercial break lasted so long that I forgot what show I was watching.”
“Please stay tuned - we'll return after this commercial break.”
“The commercial break is the perfect time to use the bathroom.”
📚Related Words
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