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 The Enquirer The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops have announced the 2024-25 season, highlighting the breadth and versatility of the Orchestra’s musicians. The Enquirer, 5 Mar. 2024 Depth of Knowledge: The CFA® exams require a thorough understanding of financial analysis and investment management, testing candidates on both the breadth and depth of financial topics. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Watts has emphasized the breadth of her leadership roles in traditional, charter and private schools. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 The breadth of their work also prompted a rebranding of what was formerly the literary packaging department, and now is the literary media one. Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024 Yoffie said the breadth and number of Musk’s business interests put him in a unique position, where he’s exposed to many regulatory risks. David Ingram, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 None of these artists performed on the platinum 1991 album Two Rooms – Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin, which underscores the depth and breadth of the fanbase among artists for the songwriting pair. Paul Grein, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2024 What a difference a day makes for Mainland China and Hong Kong, which did a complete 180-degree swing from yesterday’s very strong day, which was marked by very strong breadth. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Differences in complexity and content breadth impact pass rates. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breadth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!