breast
10 synonyms and 3 antonyms for breast, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Either of the two organs on the front of a woman's chest that can produce milk.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use breast
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
breast cancer
chicken breast
breastfeed
Etymology
From Old English brēost, from a prehistoric Germanic root related to swelling.
Full origin of breast →Frequently asked questions
What does “breast” mean?
The word “breast” means either of the two organs on the front of a woman's chest that can produce milk. In plain terms, the chest area of the body — most specifically, the female mammary organs, but also used figuratively (one's breast = one's heart) and for cuts of poultry meat.
How do you pronounce “breast”?
“Breast” is pronounced brehst (/bɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “breast” in a sentence?
Here is “breast” used in a sentence: “She was screened regularly for breast cancer.”
What is the opposite of “breast”?
The opposite of “breast” — its antonyms — are thigh, wing and dark meat.
What part of speech is “breast”?
“Breast” is a noun.
Where does the word “breast” come from?
The word “breast” comes from Old English. From Old English brēost, from a prehistoric Germanic root related to swelling.
Is “breast” a common word?
“Breast” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “breast” have?
“Breast” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: either of the two organs on the front of a woman's chest that can produce milk.
What is the difference between breast and chest?
Chest refers to the whole front of the upper body between the neck and the abdomen. Breast can mean the same chest area, but it also specifically refers to the mammary organs on a woman's chest that can produce milk.
What is the difference between breast and bosom?
Both can refer to a person's chest, but bosom is a softer, more literary or old-fashioned word, often used figuratively as in 'the bosom of the family.' Breast is the more neutral, everyday and anatomical term.
