pectoral

1 of 2

noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl How to pronounce pectoral (audio)
1
: something worn on the breast
2

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
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.
Noun
Returning from a stint on the injured list due to a strained right pectoral, Verlander (0-5) left with the Giants behind 3-2, having allowed three runs on five hits in five innings. Miami Herald, 25 June 2025 Arm muscles that can be focused on include biceps, triceps and pectorals. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
Adjective
Billings needed surgery after suffering a season-ending pectoral injury midway through the 2024 season. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 The midfielder wore a pectoral cardiac monitor during the sessions, allowing Hamdan to track his heart rate via a fitness app called Polar Beat. Tom Williams, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pectoral

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pectoral was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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 How to pronounce pectoral (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pectoral

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