breadth

noun

ˈbretth How to pronounce breadth (audio)
ˈbredth,
nonstandard
ˈbreth How to pronounce breadth (audio)
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 How to pronounce breadth (audio)
ˈbredth-
 nonstandard  ˈbreth-
adverb or adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although there have been several revues of his music in the past, this retrospective tribute uniquely allows Sondheim fans to enjoy a wide breadth of his greatest hits in one sitting. Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 Christians—some 380 million spanning 190 countries—face persecution of a unique breadth and intensity, with few advocates as powerful as the U.S. Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Nationwide injunctions earn scrutiny Conservative justices questioned the breadth of nationwide injunctions, asking whether a single district judge should wield the power to halt a federal policy across the entire country, as many have during the early months of the second Trump administration. David Catanese, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025 Creative director Gabriella Khalil, also known for her wide breadth of interiors work, including projects in New York’s WSA building, SoHo darling Happier Grocery, as well as global hospitality projects. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for breadth

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of breadth was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breadth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breadth. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

breadth

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on breadth

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