ground-breaking

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ground-breaking (comparative more ground-breaking, superlative most ground-breaking)

1. (idiomatic) innovative, different than other things of its type.

   ground-breaking technology

   • 2019 November 20, Philip Haigh, “A prestigious institution”, in Rail, page 69:

     There were papers such as John Aspinall's presidential address about his ground-breaking work on railway electrification in 1909 [...].

ground-breaking (plural ground-breakings)

1. A ceremony marking the commencement of construction of a road, bridge, or building.
   • 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:

     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.

   • 1997, Eugene H. Peterson, Jim Lyster, John Sharon, Subversive Spirituality, page 149:

     At anniversaries and graduations, ground breakings and inaugurations — the various community occasions when achievements are recognized and ventures launched […]

   • 2007, John R. Logan, Harvey Luskin Molotch, Harvey Molotch, Urban Fortunes: The Political Economy of Place, page 81:

     Union executives are available for ceremonial celebrations of growth (ribbon cuttings, announcements of government contracts, urban redevelopment ground breakings).

• break ground