pectoral

1 of 2

noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 

1

: something worn on the breast

2

: pectoral muscle

pectoral

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, situated in or on, or worn on the chest

2

: coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion

Examples of pectoral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Doorway Stretch The doorway stretch targets your pectorals (chest muscles), which are commonly tight in people who spend a lot of time in a forward, rounded position, including cyclists, desk workers, and anyone tethered to their smartphone. —Jenny McCoy, Outside, 31 Aug. 2025

Dumbbell presses target your horizontal pushing muscles, like your pectorals (chest muscles), shoulder muscles, and triceps, while also engaging your core. —Jakob Roze, Health, 25 Aug. 2025

Adjective

The pair of pectoral sandpipers were only seen once despite a week of follow-up surveys. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025

The 25-year-old started 10 games for Boston earlier this season, missing a month due to a pectoral injury. —Michael Hurley, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast; akin to Tocharian A päśšäm breasts, Old Irish ucht breast

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pectoral

• pectoral cross
• pectoral fin
• pectoral girdle
• pectoral muscle

Rhymes for pectoral

• sectoral
• electoral

Kids Definition

pectoral

adjective

pec·​to·​ral

ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl

: of, relating to, or situated in, near, or on the chest

Medical Definition

pectoral

1 of 2 noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 

1

: a pectoral part or organ

especially : pectoralis

2

: a medicinal substance for treating diseases of the respiratory tract

pectoral

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or occurring in or on the chest

pectoral arch

2

: relating to or good for diseases of the respiratory tract

a pectoral syrup