To save this word, you'll need to log in.
pec·to·ral | \ ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl 
\
\Definition of pectoral
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : something worn on the breast
2 : pectoral muscle
pectoral
adjectiveDefinition of pectoral (Entry 2 of 2)
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 The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year injured his left pectoral while making a tackle on Oakland Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs on Sunday.
—
Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "Texans' J.J. Watt says pectoral surgery 'went smooth'," 29 Oct. 2019 With the help of new technologies, Kosma and her colleagues sought to document a unique role of humpback pectorals from a perspective that was not available to earlier researchers.
—
Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Watch Humpback Whales Scoop Fish Into Their Mouths Using Their Fins," 17 Oct. 2019 In contrast, the pectorals of other whales are only one-seventh the length of their bodies.
—
Virginia Morell, Science | AAAS, "‘Bingo!’ In a remarkable first, humpback whales spied using their fins to scoop up fish," 15 Oct. 2019 Missouri must try to slow down that running game without linebacker Cale Garrett, who injured his pectoral tendon last week in a 42-10 victory over Troy.
—
Brian Rippee, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Plumlee helps lead revitalized Ole Miss rushing attack," 8 Oct. 2019 That includes your pectorals (chest), lats (the broad muscle on the sides of your mid-back), triceps, and the muscles around the shoulder blades.
—
Isadora Baum, SELF, "7 Foam Rolling Mistakes You Should Avoid," 16 Mar. 2019 Targets the core, pectorals, deltoids, and triceps.
—
SELF, "A 15-Minute No-Equipment Core Workout You Can Do at Home," 18 Jan. 2019 This total body move works the upper body—mainly the pectorals—as well as the core and legs, says Brewer.
—
SELF, "Strengthen Your Entire Body With This 8-Part Slam Ball Circuit from Pink’s Trainer," 12 Sep. 2018 The latest such example was revealed by Pete's go-to tattoo artist, London Reese, who posted a photo of a shirtless Pete on Instagram featuring a giant shark on his left pectoral.
—
Dan Barna, Teen Vogue, "Pete Davidson's New Shark Tattoo Covers His Old One," 28 Aug. 2018 Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan said there’s a chance Alexander sustained a pectoral injury.
—
Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, "49ers fear Kwon Alexander might have pectoral injury," 31 Oct. 2019 Multiple reports indicated Watt had suffered a torn pectoral injury.
—
Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, "Texans DE J.J. Watt out for rest of NFL season after injury," 28 Oct. 2019 But Williams withdrew shortly before the match was scheduled to begin, citing a pectoral injury.
—
Ben Rothenberg, New York Times, "Serena Williams Will Play Maria Sharapova in First Round of U.S. Open," 22 Aug. 2019 Rams Micah Kiser, a projected starting inside linebacker for the Rams, suffered a left pectoral injury in Saturday’s preseason defeat by the Dallas Cowboys that will require surgery Tuesday, and there is no timeline for his return.
—
Los Angeles Times, "The Sports Report: Recapping Sunday’s activity," 19 Aug. 2019 Janovich played eight offensive snaps and four special teams snaps before leaving with a left pectoral injury.
—
Ryan O'halloran, The Denver Post, "Ten takeaways from the Broncos’ loss to Seattle; Jano hurt," 9 Aug. 2019 The gratuitous looks at the pectoral region is just a bonus.
—
Nick Romano, EW.com, "Hot daddy Batty: Batman #79 artist talks Bruce Wayne's beefcake beach bod," 17 Sep. 2019 Kepler was pulled after one inning because of pectoral pain, and Sano was unavailable because of back soreness — which is why he didn’t pinch hit with two on and two out against closer Brad Hand in the ninth.
—
John Shipley, Twin Cities, "Indians energized after taking series from Twins with 5-2 win," 8 Sep. 2019 Micah Kiser required surgery after suffering a pectoral injury during the preseason, so Bryce Hager will take Barron’s spot at inside linebacker.
—
Los Angeles Times, "Are the Rams ready to take the last step in 2019?," 6 Sep. 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pectoral.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for pectoral
pectoral
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of pectoral
technical : relating to or located on the chest
See the full definition for pectoral in the English Language Learners Dictionary
pectoral
nounpec·to·ral | \ ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl \
\Medical Definition of pectoral
(Entry 1 of 2)
2 : a medicinal substance for treating diseases of the respiratory tract
pectoral
adjectiveMedical Definition of pectoral (Entry 2 of 2)
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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on pectoral
What made you want to look up pectoral? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Food Quiz
- Name these cookies!
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Name that Food Quiz
Test your knowledge of food and food words.
Take the quiz - Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz
Match the pasta with its meaning in Italian.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share pectoral
Time Traveler for pectoral
The first known use of pectoral was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century