ground-breaking
noun1
A ceremony marking the commencement of construction of a road, bridge, or building.
- I HAVE had a hand in numerous ground breakings and ribbon cuttings, but never before have I approached one with the eagerness and enthusiasm that I possess for today's ceremony.1960 August 2, Bert T. Combs, “GROUND BREAKING FOR KENTUCKY POWER COMPANY PLANT Louisa”, in George W. Robinson, editor, The Public Papers of Governor Bert T. Combs: 1959–1963, published 2014, page 118:
- At anniversaries and graduations, ground breakings and inaugurations — the various community occasions when achievements are recognized and ventures launched […]1997, Eugene H. Peterson, Jim Lyster, John Sharon, Subversive Spirituality, page 149:
2 more examples
- Union executives are available for ceremonial celebrations of growth (ribbon cuttings, announcements of government contracts, urban redevelopment ground breakings).2007, John R. Logan, Harvey Luskin Molotch, Harvey Molotch, Urban Fortunes: The Political Economy of Place, page 81:
- A ground-breaking ceremony took place on September 15 with representatives from GA and contractor Walker Construction, as well as Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois (Conservative).2025 October 1, “News: Wickford station work starts”, in RAIL, number 1045, page 11:
- Related terms
- break ground