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

The lopsided results underscored the breadth of the GOP’s shellacking, with Democrats breaking decades of Republican dominance in reliably red states and reshaping the balance of power from Washington to state capitols. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Democrats won the House and the Senate, and while that outcome was always a possibility, the depth and breadth of the Democratic victories were jaw-dropping. — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Later in his career, Hubert continued to develop his own projects as a writer and producer, reflecting the breadth of his interests and his lifelong commitment to storytelling. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

THR‘s other noms span the breadth of categories from cover art to photos to investigative stories to illustrations. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 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