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

With 2025 draft picks Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison expected to compete for Dean’s outside corner position and Calijah Kancey hopeful of staying on the field after missing most of last season with a torn pectoral, the Bucs could look dramatically different. —John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026

For those who aren’t quite ready to position their pectorals in this way, Mason assures his pieces can be worn buttoned up, too. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 15 May 2026

Adjective

Connor Prielipp and Bailey Ober should draw starts this weekend, and the Twins are expected to welcome Taj Bradley (pectoral inflammation) back soon, as well. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 18 May 2026

Despite his pectoral injury, Kancey battled back last season to play in the regular-season finale at Carolina. —Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 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