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 best Asian pop music performance category was created to recognize the breadth of the continent's pop music and its growing impact across the global music landscape, according to the Recording Academy. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

McCray has shown off the breadth of his physical tools during this homestand, recording both a steal and an outfield assist in Friday’s win over the Angels. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

By monitoring market breadth, investors can assess whether a rally is supported by healthy participation from many stocks and sectors, or if a few large names dominate. — Thomas Hartmann, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

While other observatories have seen more of the sky, and some have gone deeper, no other has come close to the depth and breadth of LSST. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 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