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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 chestful (audio) \ noun

Examples of chest in a Sentence

He has a broad chest. The pain is in my upper chest.
Recent Examples on the Web The Massachusetts senator declined, keeping her hands to her chest. — Emily Larsen, Washington Examiner, "Warren declines to shake hand of Sanders after debate," 14 Jan. 2020 Police found Nicholas’s body with two stab wounds to his chest, prosecutors said. — Cory Shaffer, cleveland, "Parma father pleads guilty in stabbing death of infant son, avoids potential death sentence," 13 Jan. 2020 Waves filled the life raft with chest-deep water, and at times threatened to flip it. — Hal Bernton, Anchorage Daily News, "Battling the waves to stay alive: A tale of survival from the Scandies Rose," 9 Jan. 2020 The hyperbolic, chest-thumping press release issued by its leading VC firm Flagship Pioneering to mark a $100 million private financing round was a bad omen. — Adam Feuerstein, STAT, "And now, your nominees for worst biopharma CEO of 2019. Let the voting begin!," 17 Dec. 2019 Watt has been attending practices at NRG Stadium and has been out of a protective sling for several weeks following surgery to repair the damage to his chest. — Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans not ruling out possibility of J.J. Watt returning," 16 Dec. 2019 To play the part, Spinney would strap a TV monitor to his chest as his only eyes to the outside. — Andrew Dalton, Twin Cities, "Sesame Street puppeteer Caroll Spinney dies at age 85," 8 Dec. 2019 To play the part, Spinney would strap a TV monitor to his chest as his only eyes to the outside. — Bloomberg.com, "‘Sesame Street’ Puppeteer Caroll Spinney Dies at Age 85," 8 Dec. 2019 The chaotic, jubilant scene featured players and coaches hugging and chest-bumping each other as relief and joy and ecstasy combined for a brief and powerful emotional outburst. — Josh Bean | Jbean@al.com, al, "The story behind Hueytown coach’s viral hug of opposing player," 18 Nov. 2019

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

18 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Chest.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chest. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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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

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with chest

Spanish Central: Translation of 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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