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

Eastman Naia made its second appearance at Kingpins Amsterdam, supporting its network of mill partners like Advance Denim and Cone Denim and showcasing the breadth of applications for Naia Renew staple fiber. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Eliot’s breadth and ambition and energy in painting a picture of a society in the midst of cataclysmic change is astounding. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 20 Oct. 2026

Ned Davis Research thematic strategist Pat Tschosik notes his firm's proprietary market-breadth reading Big Mo Tape tentatively turning higher from oversold readings. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Critical systems should avoid single points of failure, and controls should be layered in depth and breadth. — Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 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