1. a rhythmic pattern in electronic dance music created by isolating and looping a drum break from a funk or soul recording
Usage: music genre/production term; commonly used in drum and bass, jungle, and hip-hop

Examples

• The DJ sampled a classic breakbeat from a 1970s funk record.
• Breakbeats are the foundation of drum and bass music.
• Producers often manipulate breakbeats by speeding them up or adding effects.
• The track features a chopped breakbeat layered over synthesizers.
• Many jungle tracks rely on fast, intricate breakbeats.