pectoral

1 of 2

noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 

1

: something worn on the breast

2

: pectoral muscle

pectoral

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, situated in or on, or worn on the chest

2

: coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion

Examples of pectoral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Allen played in all 17 games for Minnesota after missing half of the 2024 season with Washington because of a torn pectoral. —CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026

Kwon Alexander, linebacker, 2019: Sideline-to-sideline defender for Tampa Bay received $25.5 million guaranteed over four years but dealt with a torn pectoral, a biceps tear and a high ankle sprain and was pushed aside when Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw arrived. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Epenesa dealt with a concussion last season and also sustained foot, neck and pectoral injuries; the neck injury was the most recent of the four. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026

Hook-like projections on their pectoral and pelvic fins function like Velcro, enabling them to grip slippery rock surfaces even under strong water current. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast; akin to Tocharian A päśšäm breasts, Old Irish ucht breast

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pectoral

• pectoral cross
• pectoral fin
• pectoral girdle
• pectoral muscle

Rhymes for pectoral

• sectoral
• electoral

Kids Definition

pectoral

adjective

pec·​to·​ral

ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl

: of, relating to, or situated in, near, or on the chest

Medical Definition

pectoral

1 of 2 noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 

1

: a pectoral part or organ

especially : pectoralis

2

: a medicinal substance for treating diseases of the respiratory tract

pectoral

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or occurring in or on the chest

pectoral arch

2

: relating to or good for diseases of the respiratory tract

a pectoral syrup