pectoral muscle

noun

: any of the muscles which connect the ventral walls of the chest with the bones of the upper arm and shoulder and of which there are two on each side of the human body

Examples of pectoral muscle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lat muscle, along with the teres major and the pectoral muscles, allow the shoulder to adduct, rotate and extend the arm. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025 Lemberg's wife Isla, 27, told Newsweek that the tumor was found in his chest, under the pectoral muscle. Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025 Tom suffered a torn pectoral muscle while lifting weights at the Packers’ facility in April, 2024. Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 After suffering a torn pectoral muscle last season, for example, Allen worked his way back from the injury much faster than expected, playing a key role for the Commanders in the playoffs. Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pectoral muscle

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pectoral muscle was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pectoral muscle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pectoral%20muscle. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pectoral muscle

noun
: any of the muscles which connect the front walls of the chest with the bones of the upper arm and shoulder and of which there are two on each side in the human body

Medical Definition

pectoral muscle

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!