broach

noun

\ ˈbrōch

Definition of broach

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : brooch wore a lovely broach on her lapel

2 : any of various pointed or tapered tools, implements, or parts: such as

a : a spit for roasting meat

b : a tool for tapping casks

c : a cutting tool for removing material from metal or plastic to shape an outside surface or a hole

broach

verb (1)

broached; broaching; broaches

Definition of broach (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to pierce (something, such as a cask) in order to draw the contents also : to open for the first time

b : to open up or break into (a mine, stores, etc.)

2 : to shape or enlarge (a hole) with a broach (see broach entry 1 sense 2c)

3a : to make known for the first time

b : to open up (a subject) for discussion a good time to broach the subject

intransitive verb

: to break the surface from below the whale broached

broach

verb (2)

broached; broaching; broaches

Definition of broach (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

nautical : to veer or yaw dangerously so as to lie broadside to the waves —often used with to Our ship broached to.

Other Words from broach Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about broach

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Choose the Right Synonym for broach

Verb (1)

express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces. expressed her feelings in music vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words. a tirade venting his frustration utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech. utter a groan voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words. an editorial voicing their concerns broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion. broached the subject of a divorce air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention. publicly airing their differences

Examples of broach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Kate, always stylish, wore a totally bespoke (and stunningly gorgeous, obviously) emerald green coat from Alexander McQueen for the occasion, complete with a matching fascinator and a large, leafy green broach. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Wears Custom Alexander McQueen for St. Patrick's Day," 17 Mar. 2019 The inspiration for the piece actually goes all the way back to the 1840s, when Prince Albert had a sapphire-and-diamond broach designed for his soon-to-be wife, Queen Victoria. — Zoe Weiner, Glamour, "Blake Lively's Engagement Ring in A Simple Favor Was Inspired by Princess Diana's," 7 Sep. 2018 Both Victoria, 40, and Sofia wore matching broaches on their left sides. — Dana Rose Falcone, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Prove They Are the Sexiest Royal Wedding Guests Ever," 4 June 2018 The 70-year-old wore a simple cream-colored coat with a butterfly broach, her signature pearl necklace, and matching earrings. — Michelle Manetti, Good Housekeeping, "Camilla Parker Bowles Just Wore the Most Eccentric Hat We've Ever Seen," 16 May 2018 Think grandma's broach or a piece of vintage family furniture that has been sitting in the attic for ages. — Sunset, "11 Creative Vintage Wedding Decor Ideas," 22 Jan. 2018 Then add gemstone clips or use a bobby pin to attach your favorite broach. — Kristin Koch, Seventeen, "42 Amazing New Ways to Wear Braids," 1 Feb. 2018 Elsewhere, a neckline on a pale blue top plunged daringly and was given a tasteful lift with a broach detail under the bust. — Patrick Cooley, cleveland.com, "Rusted Root coming to Cleveland," 6 July 2017 For other productions, the company routinely provides swords and daggers, leather items, broaches, cauldrons, kettles and locks. — Jason Overdorf, USA TODAY, "Anyone need a suit of armor? Go to India," 20 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Bringing up cognitive decline with a loved one can be so fraught with pain, embarrassment and denial that many are reluctant to broach the topic until far into dementia’s progression. — Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, "Why it’s important to say something if a relative exhibits signs of Alzheimer’s," 7 June 2019 Pinkett Smith teased the discussion during an interview Wednesday with Jimmy Kimmel, revealing that an upcoming episode of her Facebook Watch series with daughter Willow Smith and mom Adrienne Banfield Norris will broach the taboo topic. — Anika Reed, USA TODAY, "Jada Pinkett Smith says daughter Willow inspired her to tackle eyebrow-raising topic," 6 June 2019 The new White House comments came two days after the idea of allowing Russian officials access to Americans was first publicly broached at the press conference held by Messrs. Trump and Putin in Helsinki. — Vivian Salama, WSJ, "White House Weighs Allowing Russia to Question Ex-U.S. Envoy," 18 July 2018 In an interview at Lincoln Center, Ms. Bouder, who doesn’t mince words, talked about the risks of broaching this subject from inside a large, highly competitive company. — Siobhan Burke, New York Times, "Ashley Bouder, the Feminist Ballerina With a Mission," 29 June 2018 In recent weeks, White House officials broached with Mr. Powell the idea of meeting privately with the president so that each can lay out his thinking about economic conditions. — Paul Kiernan, WSJ, "Jerome Powell Is ‘100% Safe’ at Fed, Trump Economic Adviser Says," 26 Dec. 2018 Thomas broached the 2,000-yard rushing mark for the Tigers as a senior and scored 24 times on the ground before sustaining an injury that forced him to miss the Ohio Division II state title game. — Theo Lawson, The Seattle Times, "NCAA early signing day: These five WSU recruits could make an instant impact for the Cougars," 17 Dec. 2018 From there, however, Baekhyun broaches new territory. — Monica Kim, Vogue, "EXO’s Baekhyun Just Dropped His Second Streetwear Capsule," 14 Sep. 2018 Ditto in the health-care marketplace, where big deals like the one uniting Aetna and CVS have been broached to cope with rapid changes in technology and regulation. — Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ, "On Big Media, the Court Speaks," 12 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'broach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for broach

Noun

Middle English broche "pointed instrument, brooch," borrowed from Anglo-French, "pointed object, brooch, spigot," going back to Vulgar Latin *brocca, noun derivative from feminine of Latin broccus "prominent, projecting," of uncertain origin

Verb (1)

Middle English brochen "to pierce, skewer (meat), tap (a cask), borrowed from Anglo-French brocher "to prick, spur, stab," verbal derivative of broche "pointed object" — more at broach entry 1

Verb (2)

perhaps from broach entry 2

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