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

When onstage, their experience in playing hits that both predate and dominate the streaming era highlights the breadth of their creative reach. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

The case unfolded alongside Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's separate prosecution of Trump on criminal charges, underscoring the breadth of legal challenges the former president faced in New York. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025

These different paths reflect the breadth of leadership now shaping our sector. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Her heartfelt post encapsulated the breadth of Carrie's journey, including all of its ups and downs, throughout both shows and both films. —Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 15 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