1
: liquid in which meat, fish, cereal grains, or vegetables have been cooked : stock
chicken broth
2
: a fluid culture medium

Examples of broth 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.
Pour the barbecue sauce over the meatballs, adding a little water or chicken broth if needed to thin the sauce. Sharon Lawson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 The signature beef udon noodles had a simple, light broth that leaves the perfect amount of salty coating on your tongue. Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Black coffee and plain tea without creamer, ginger ale, apple juice, white grape juice, clear broths, gelatin, popsicles and hard candy are all fair game. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper; bring to a boil over medium-high. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for broth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German brod broth, Old English brēowan to brew — more at brew

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broth was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Broth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broth. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: liquid in which food has been cooked
2
: a fluid culture medium

Medical Definition

1
: liquid in which meat or sometimes vegetable food has been cooked
2
: a fluid culture medium

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