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chest

noun
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\ ˈchest How to pronounce chest (audio) \

Definition of chest

1a : a container for storage or shipping especially : a box with a lid used especially for the safekeeping of belongings
b : a cupboard used especially for the storing of medicines or first-aid supplies
2 : the place where money of a public institution is kept : treasury also : the fund so kept
3a : thorax sense 1 especially : the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs and sternum
b : breast sense 2a a hairy chest
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Other Words from chest

chestful \ ˈchest-​ˌfu̇l How to pronounce chest (audio) \ noun

Synonyms for chest

Synonyms

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Examples of chest in a Sentence

He has a broad chest. The pain is in my upper chest.
Recent Examples on the Web New Orleans Second City Court constable, with a gunshot wound to his chest. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, "Officer working security at high school basketball game fatally shot; suspect arrested," 27 Feb. 2021 The man was unharmed despite having been buried up to his chest. — Sara Tabin, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Fire department rescues construction worker from trench in Riverton," 27 Feb. 2021 Federico Hass, 63, a long white beard down to his chest, rolled up his sleeve for his shot. — Washington Post, "López Obrador is vaccinating Mexico’s rural poor first — against the advice of public health professionals," 26 Feb. 2021 The man, it was later found, also had stab wounds to his chest and left hand, and a puncture to his upper groin area. — cleveland, "Woman stabs man who wouldn’t leave her home: Cleveland Heights police blotter," 25 Feb. 2021 As Woodley recounted a recent work trip to Patagonia, Chile, the actress lifted both of her hands up to her chest and for a few seconds flashed the gorgeous accessory on her left ring finger. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "Shailene Woodley Flashes Her Engagement Ring from Fiancé Aaron Rodgers for the First Time," 23 Feb. 2021 Daniel Anderl, 20, took a bullet to his chest trying to protect his parents. — Tracy Smith, CBS News, "Federal judge whose son was killed in ambush: "My son's death cannot be in vain"," 20 Feb. 2021 Michael Garcia-Sanchez, 19, was found unresponsive on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest in front of a house at the 9100 block of Roquefort Drive. — Taylor Pettaway, San Antonio Express-News, "Affidavit: Teenager shot and killed longtime friend outside of Northwest Side home," 5 Feb. 2021 Standing on a corner with his rifle strapped to his chest, Scuderi spotted two men in reindeer costumes. — Los Angeles Times, "Nationwide protests authorities feared by Trump supporters fail to materialize," 17 Jan. 2021

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

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First Known Use of chest

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for chest

Middle English, from Old English cest, cist chest, box, from Latin cista, from Greek kistē basket, hamper

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Time Traveler for chest

Time Traveler

The first known use of chest was before the 12th century

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Statistics for chest

Last Updated

7 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Chest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chest. Accessed 8 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for chest

chest

noun
How to pronounce chest (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of chest

: a container (such as a box or case) for holding things or moving them from place to place
: the front part of the body between the neck and the stomach

See the full definition for chest in the English Language Learners Dictionary

chest

noun
\ ˈchest How to pronounce chest (audio) \

Kids Definition of chest

1 : a container (as a box or case) for storing, safekeeping, or shipping tool chest treasure chest
2 : the front part of the body enclosed by the ribs and breastbone
3 : a fund of public money a community chest to benefit the needy

Other Words from chest

chested \ ˈche-​stəd \ adjective

chest

noun
\ ˈchest How to pronounce chest (audio) \

Medical Definition of chest

1 : medicine chest
2 : the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum

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More from Merriam-Webster on chest

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chest

Nglish: Translation of chest for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of chest for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chest

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