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noun Uncommon

breadth

brehdth

Breadth (noun) means the measurement of something from side to side; width. Example: “They measured the breadth of the river before building the bridge.”

noun
1
The measurement of something from side to side; width.
"They measured the breadth of the river before building the bridge."
2
The range or scope of something, such as knowledge or experience.
"The professor was known for the breadth of his knowledge across many fields."

How to Use Breadth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow wide something is, or figuratively, how wide-ranging something is (knowledge, experience, choice).

Easily confused with
Common pairings
breadth of experience breadth and depth width and breadth

Word Forms

breadths plural

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Fill the Gap

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They measured the _____ of the river before building the bridge.

Etymology

From Middle English brede ("breadth"), reshaped to match the pattern of length and strength, ultimately related to broad.

Origin: Middle English

width largeness comprehensiveness

Related Words

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “breadth” mean?

The word “breadth” means the measurement of something from side to side; width. In plain terms, how wide something is, or figuratively, how wide-ranging something is (knowledge, experience, choice).

How do you pronounce “breadth”?

“Breadth” is pronounced brehdth (/bɹɛdθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “breadth” in a sentence?

Here is “breadth” used in a sentence: “They measured the breadth of the river before building the bridge.”

What part of speech is “breadth”?

“Breadth” is a noun.

Where does the word “breadth” come from?

The word “breadth” comes from Middle English. From Middle English brede ("breadth"), reshaped to match the pattern of length and strength, ultimately related to broad.

Is “breadth” a common word?

“Breadth” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “breadth” have?

“Breadth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the measurement of something from side to side; width.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial