breadth

noun

ˈbretth 

ˈbredth,

nonstandard

ˈbreth 

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 

ˈbredth-

 nonstandard  ˈbreth-

adverb or adjective

Synonyms

• expansion
• expanse
• length
• stretch

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

This breadth sharpens strategic thinking, making leaders more resilient to economic fluctuation. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

The breadth of self-censorship in the U.S. in recent times is not unprecedented or unique to the U.S. —James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025

Emphasis was placed on breadth of true impact across the widest landscape. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Other technicians noted cautionary signals in technical indicators that measure momentum and breadth — such as the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) — are starting to suggest the rally is flagging. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 23 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing breadth

• hair's breadth
• the length and breadth of

Rhymes for breadth

• overbreadth

Kids Definition

breadth

noun

ˈbredth  ˈbretth 

ˈbreth

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