breadth

1 of 2

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

breadthways

2 of 2

adverb (or adjective)

breadth·​ways

ˈbretth-ˌwāz, 

ˈbredth-, 

÷ ˈbreth-

variants or breadthwise

ˈbretth-ˌwīz 

ˈbredth-, 

÷ ˈbreth-

: in the direction of the breadth : not lengthwise

Synonyms of breadth

Noun

• expansion
• expanse
• length
• stretch

Examples of breadth in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Mature woods shield its scope and breadth from passersby on the road, while its 15-plus acres and long private driveway through the woods leading to the home set the tone for this property, known as Spring Path Farm. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026

That breadth makes the 15-connection allowance useful for households or users managing several types of hardware. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026

Take the Spy Museum, for example, which developed its own free walking tour because of the breadth of strolling space in the area and interest from both residents and tourists. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026

The launch of the firm draws on Lee and Yan’s breadth of experience working across gaming, sponsorship and branding and artist development. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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