breadth

noun

ˈbretth How to pronounce breadth (audio)
ˈbredth,
nonstandard
ˈbreth How to pronounce breadth (audio)
1
: distance from side to side : width
the height, breadth, and depth of each piece of furniture
2
: something of full width
begin with a breadth of silk
3
a
: comprehensive quality : scope
the breadth of his learning
b
: liberality of views or taste
breadth of mind
breadthwise
ˈbretth-ˌwīz How to pronounce breadth (audio)
ˈbredth-
 nonstandard  ˈbreth-
adverb or adjective

Examples of breadth in a Sentence

We measured the height, breadth, and depth of each piece of furniture. a great breadth of land awaited those who were brave and hardy enough to settle it
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Storer had signed up with World Central Kitchen, the José Andrés-run organization that collaborates with local chefs to provide food relief during disasters, and her contacts there were offering some directive, but the breadth of needs was as wide and variegated as the city itself. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 Despite the breadth of Trump's unilateral actions, congressional oversight seems nakedly absent — a fact that some argue will only embolden Trump. Meredith Conroy, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025 Crew and passenger behavior, breadth of activities, weather, operations — these are just some of the things that can taint love when on an ocean or river cruise. David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2025 The rapper marveled at the breadth of talent being honored on the night, singling out jazz pianist Error Garner, rock producer/engineer Glyn Johns and rapper Roxanne Shante. Paul Grein, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for breadth 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English breadeth, breth, from brede breadth (from Old English brǣdu, from brād broad) + -th (as in lengthe length)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breadth was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near breadth

Cite this Entry

“Breadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breadth. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

breadth

noun
1
: distance from side to side : width
2
a
: something of full width
b
: a wide area
3
: scope entry 1 sense 2
breadth of knowledge

More from Merriam-Webster on breadth

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