breadth

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

Synonyms of breadth

• expansion
• expanse
• length
• stretch

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

Measuring cross-engine breadth, not just citation count on a single platform, is the only honest way to track progress. — Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

And the broader challenges facing the indie film market mean that some smaller mom-and-pop vendors are struggling, and there isn’t necessarily a single entity with the breadth of knowledge to help indie producers across the board. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 21 July 2026

Still, 103 of his 212 member coalition voted to defund Israel, revealing the true breadth of this new coalition. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

Isom said the airline’s network breadth is a major strong suit and will continue to be. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 2026

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

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