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

My breadth comes from my need to be useful. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

Counties deliver health care, behavioral health, public safety, elections and safety net services for all Californians — a breadth of responsibility unmatched by any level of government beyond our constitutional officers. —Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026

The ramp-up has been welcome among exhibitors looking for more breadth and depth of content to buoy the box office. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026

The idea was to increase the breadth of teams that would have a reason to compete at the end of the regular season. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 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