broach

1 of 2

verb

ˈbrōch 

broached; broaching; broaches

transitive verb

1

a

: to open up (a subject) for discussion

a good time to broach the subject

b

: to make known for the first time

2

a

: 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.)

3

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

intransitive verb

: to break the surface from below

the whale broached

broacher noun

broacher

2 of 2

noun

broach·​er

ˈbrō-chər

plural -s

: one that broaches or works with a broach: such as

a

: a broaching machine

b

: the operator of a broaching machine

c

: a worker who finishes holes in jewel bearings by use of a broach with diamond dust

Synonyms of broach

Verb

• surface

Choose the Right Synonym for broach

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

Verb

the immense whales broaching was a magnificent sight

broached the topic of plans for next year's parade

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Traffic concerns, once the 328-home subdivision is built, were broached at Plan Commission meetings held last year, including from member Mark Nelson. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026

Melvin had used the song title as a way of broaching the subject of weddings. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

This doesn’t seem like a subject that needs to be broached at present and would likely cause unnecessary pain and conflict. —R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 18 May 2026

There are hints about succession and cults of personality, conversations which raise questions as to whether Moulin is fit to lead, but these are seldom broached beyond their introductions. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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 2

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Rhymes for broach

• coach
• loach
• poach
• roach
• roche
• approach
• cockroach
• encroach
• reproach
• stagecoach

Kids Definition

broach

1 of 2 noun

ˈbrōch 

: any of various pointed or narrowed tools or parts

especially : one used for shaping a hole already bored

broach

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a hole in (as a cask) in order to draw off the contents

2

: to bring up for discussion

broach a subject

3

: to break the surface (as of water) from below

saw a submarine broaching

Medical Definition

broach

1 of 2 noun

ˈbrōch 

: a fine tapered flexible instrument used in dentistry to remove dental pulp and to dress a root canal

broach

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to open (a vein) to draw blood