chest

noun

ˈchest How to pronounce chest (audio)
Synonyms of chestnext
1
a
: a container for storage or shipping
especially : a box with a lid used especially for the safekeeping of belongings
b
: a cupboard used especially for the storing of medicines or first-aid supplies
2
: the place where money of a public institution is kept : treasury
also : the fund so kept
3
a
: thorax sense 1
especially : the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs and sternum
b
: breast sense 2a
a hairy chest
chestful
ˈchest-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce chest (audio)
noun

Synonyms of chest

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Examples of chest in a Sentence

He has a broad chest. The pain is in my upper chest.
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.
Ho also said Celeste bore two significant penetrating injuries — one wound to her abdomen, which passed through the diaphragm and injured the liver, and the other penetrated the left side of her chest, damaging ribs and entered the chest cavity. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026 The family was not present Friday for the medical examiner’s testimony, which featured graphic autopsy photos including two puncture wounds to the chest and abdomen that the medical examiner determined caused the victim’s death. — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 On April 22, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled her cause of death was two penetrating wounds to the abdomen and chest. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 23 July 2026 Write them out, sing them, move your hips and open your chest while speaking them aloud. — Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chest

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cest, cist chest, box, from Latin cista, from Greek kistē basket, hamper

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing chest

Rhymes for chest

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Browse Nearby Words

chessylite blue
chest
chest-beating
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chest. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chest

noun
ˈchest How to pronounce chest (audio)
1
: a container (as a box or case) for storing, safekeeping, or shipping
tool chest
linen chest
2
: a public fund
community chest
3
: the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum
chested
ˈches-təd
adjective
chestful
ˈchest-ˌfu̇l How to pronounce chest (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

chest

noun
ˈchest How to pronounce chest (audio)
1
: medicine chest
2
: the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum

More from Merriam-Webster on chest

Nglish: Translation of chest for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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