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

It was reported that Cassidy's pectoral was torn during his most recent match prior to Wednesday. —Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

James Daniels injures arm Miami Dolphins right guard James Daniels injured his pectoral early in the first quarter of the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. —Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Smith had been filling in as James Daniel’s replacement as Miami’s starting right guard because of the pectoral injury that got Daniel’s placed on injured reserve. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

For now, the Mariners seem likely to enter the postseason healthy, too, as long as their ever-consistent starter, Bryan Woo, recovers from the right pectoral injury (the team called it minor inflammation) that held him to five innings last Friday. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025

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