chest

play

noun \ˈchest\

Definition of chest

1a : a container for storage or shipping; especially : a box with a lid used especially for the safekeeping of belongingsb : 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 1; especially : the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs and sternumb : breast 2a a hairy chest

chestful

play \-ˌfu̇l\ noun

See chest defined for English-language learners

See chest defined for kids

Examples of chest in a Sentence

He has a broad chest.
The pain is in my upper chest.

Recent Examples of chest from the Web

Anyway, thanks, Vanity Fair, for letting me get this off my chest.

— Vanity Fair, "Senator Al Franken Answers the Proust Questionnaire," 18 July 2017
According to Elamin, she was questioned extensively about her research and the political situation in Sudan, patted down in her chest and groin areas, and briefly handcuffed and taken to a 24-hour holding area—

— kristal brent zook, Essence.com, "How Donald Trump's Travel Ban Attempts Have Deeply Wounded Black Families And Individuals," 18 July 2017
Keeping the chest high, bend both knees, and lean forward slightly for balance.

— elizabeth narins, Cosmopolitan, "5-Minute Short-Shorts Thigh Workout," 5 July 2017
But Armani's fall-winter couture silhouette was all about the chest.

— Bloomberg.com, "Chanel Aims High With Starry 'Eiffel Tower' Paris Show," 4 July 2017
Many arrived with ice chests full of cold drinks and snacks to view the annual show.

— joe songer, AL.com, "Independence Day Fireworks delight huge crowds in Birmingham and Homewood," 4 July 2017
A couple of the men who were killed had railroad spikes driven into the head or chest.

— dana littlefield, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Delay expected in case against man charged in the killing of homeless men in 2016," 1 July 2017
Not a hallucination, just a tightening in my chest, feeling I couldn’t breathe, like the world was going to end.

— julie ma, The Cut, "25 Famous Women on Therapy," 29 June 2017
Johnson then reportedly shot the woman in the chest and side, the affidavit states.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Man charged in shooting that injured pregnant woman arrested, police say," 28 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of chest

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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CHEST Defined for English Language Learners

chest

play

noun

Definition of chest for English Language Learners

: 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

CHEST Defined for Kids

chest

play

noun \ˈchest\

Definition of chest for Students

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