breastplate
noun
breast·plate
ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt 
1
: a usually metal plate worn as defensive armor for the breast see armor illustration
2
: a vestment worn in ancient times by a Jewish high priest and set with 12 gems bearing the names of the tribes of Israel
3
: a piece against which a worker's breast is pressed in operating a tool (such as a breast drill)
Examples of breastplate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The structured corset top appeared like a breastplate made of gold and stood out from the black velvet skirt.
—
Genevieve Cepeda, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
For a long time that was my vision of the Dominican Republic: a Florsheim stamping down on the breastplate of my uncle—forever.
—Junot Díaz, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
The Barbadian singer famously took to the stage in a bespoke Loewe ensemble that included a red boilersuit and a matching red breastplate molded by creative director Jonathan Anderson.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2023
Return of the Supers: See Behind the Scenes at the Making of Vogue’s September Issue
By the sounds of it, the plot will be macho enough to temporarily supplant men’s fantasies about the Roman empire (at least until Paul Mescal is papped in a breastplate while shooting Gladiator II).
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2023
The billionaire makeup mogul and part-time singer debuted her baby bump in a red Loewe jumpsuit with matching lacquer breastplate at the historic event.
—Vulture, 22 Aug. 2023
In a series of Instagram photos posted on Saturday, Offset stood on a street in a black outfit covered with a silver breastplate, arm shields and several silver belts that were reminiscent of the military-like costumes favored by the late King of Pop.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2023
The Oscar-winning actor wore the sleeveless silver breastplate with a black tuxedo jacket and black high-waist, wide-leg trousers.
—Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 12 June 2023
Ariana DeBose Commands the 2023 Tony Awards Red Carpet in a Plunging Silver Gown Nyong'o further tied in the silver of the breastplate with her black and silver clutch and her silver jewels.
—Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 11 June 2023
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Genevieve Cepeda, Peoplemag, 16 Nov. 2023
For a long time that was my vision of the Dominican Republic: a Florsheim stamping down on the breastplate of my uncle—forever.
—Junot Díaz, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
The Barbadian singer famously took to the stage in a bespoke Loewe ensemble that included a red boilersuit and a matching red breastplate molded by creative director Jonathan Anderson.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2023
Return of the Supers: See Behind the Scenes at the Making of Vogue’s September Issue
By the sounds of it, the plot will be macho enough to temporarily supplant men’s fantasies about the Roman empire (at least until Paul Mescal is papped in a breastplate while shooting Gladiator II).
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2023
The billionaire makeup mogul and part-time singer debuted her baby bump in a red Loewe jumpsuit with matching lacquer breastplate at the historic event.
—Vulture, 22 Aug. 2023
In a series of Instagram photos posted on Saturday, Offset stood on a street in a black outfit covered with a silver breastplate, arm shields and several silver belts that were reminiscent of the military-like costumes favored by the late King of Pop.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2023
The Oscar-winning actor wore the sleeveless silver breastplate with a black tuxedo jacket and black high-waist, wide-leg trousers.
—Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 12 June 2023
Ariana DeBose Commands the 2023 Tony Awards Red Carpet in a Plunging Silver Gown Nyong'o further tied in the silver of the breastplate with her black and silver clutch and her silver jewels.
—Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 11 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breastplate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of breastplate was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near breastplate
Cite this Entry
“Breastplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastplate. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
breastplate
noun
breast·plate
ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt
: metal armor for covering the breast
More from Merriam-Webster on breastplate
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breastplate
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