Definition & Meaning of "breaking news"in English

What is "breaking news"?

Breaking news refers to urgent, newly occurring events that are reported as soon as they are discovered, often before all details are fully available. These stories are typically about significant events, such as natural disasters, accidents, political developments, or emergencies, that require immediate attention. Breaking news is covered quickly to provide the public with the most current information, even if it is subject to updates or changes as more details emerge. It is often the focus of media outlets during the initial moments after an event occurs.