breastbone

noun

breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˌbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)
: sternum

Examples of breastbone in a Sentence

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.
Place the uncooked half turkey breastbone side down on work surface. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 9 Feb. 2026 Pull your breastbone toward the bar by bending your elbows. — Greg Presto, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026 Doctors opened her abdomen from her breastbone down, looking for more growths. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026 The first is open-heart surgery, which involves cutting through the breastbone to directly access the heart. — Sue Peschin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for breastbone

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastbone was before the 12th century

Rhymes for breastbone

See All Rhymes for breastbone

Browse Nearby Words

breast board
breastbone
breast collar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breastbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastbone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breastbone

noun
breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˈbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
: sternum

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on breastbone

Nglish: Translation of breastbone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breastbone

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