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

• 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 measure combines six metrics like market breadth, volatility and leverage to deliver a reading on investor sentiment. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025

Weinbach’s not going for breadth; this is an exercise in getting away with as much as possible while explaining absolutely nothing. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025

My job is to think about that opportunity through a consumer lens and deliver incredible content, incredible products and incredible experiences that leverage the full breadth of the brand. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025

Bring All Stakeholders To The Table ATO reform must also account for the full breadth of stakeholders that are involved in the current process to obtain an ATO. —Lisa Umberger, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

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