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

This elite group of award-winning Chardonnays reflects the breadth of global excellence in winemaking—from Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy to high-elevation sites in Argentina, as well as iconic Australian and Californian terroirs. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

The likelihood of finding a job with the best set of attributes increases with the geographic breadth of the search. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2025

Strength in breadth protects the group from downturns in particular markets: Unlike Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Estée Lauder, L’Oréal is exposed to both mass and prestige beauty, as well as the rapidly growing dermatological skin-care market, and professional hair care. —Adam Gale, Fortune, 24 July 2025

The latest polling also sheds light on the growing breadth of disapproval among young voters. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 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