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

While the tools from both companies work well on their respective watches, neither offers the same adaptability or breadth of capabilities as Google’s Health Coach. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

The United States has built an extraordinary higher education system, with tremendous breadth, quality, and capacity. — Marvin Krislov, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Reflecting the breadth of the global Black experience, the section highlights distinctive voices across genres, forms, and storytelling traditions. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

The targets weren't oil refineries, maritime hubs or arms plants hit by other Ukrainian strikes, but warehouses that bring the convenience of online shopping across the breadth of Russia. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 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