noun Uncommon

Breton

BREH-tuhn

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Breton (noun) means a person from Brittany, the region in northwest France. Example: “The restaurant was run by a Breton who insisted on serving proper buckwheat crepes.”

noun

A person from Brittany, the region in northwest France.

"The restaurant was run by a Breton who insisted on serving proper buckwheat crepes."

The Celtic language traditionally spoken in Brittany, related to Welsh and Cornish.

"Street signs in parts of Brittany are written in both French and Breton."

adj

Coming from, or relating to, Brittany.

"She wore a striped Breton shirt she'd bought on holiday."

How to use Breton

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRelating to Brittany in France — its people, their Celtic language, or things (like the classic striped shirt) associated with the region.

Common mistake

Don't mix up with "Briton" — a Briton is from Britain, a Breton is from Brittany in France; they're historically related but refer to different places today.

Easily confused with

briton →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Bretons

Test yourself on “Breton” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The restaurant was run by a _____ who insisted on serving proper buckwheat crepes.

Etymology

From French Breton, going back through Old French to Latin Brittō — the same root that eventually gave English "Briton".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for Breton

skeleton Carleton Appleton Eagleton simpleton singleton Middleton Pendleton Stapleton Littleton Pembleton Shackleton

See all rhymes for Breton →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Breton” mean?

The word “Breton” means a person from Brittany, the region in northwest France. In plain terms, relating to Brittany in France — its people, their Celtic language, or things (like the classic striped shirt) associated with the region.

How do you pronounce “Breton”?

“Breton” is pronounced BREH-tuhn (/ˈbɹɛtən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Breton” in a sentence?

Here is “Breton” used in a sentence: “The restaurant was run by a Breton who insisted on serving proper buckwheat crepes.”

What part of speech is “Breton”?

Depending on how it is used, “Breton” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “Breton” come from?

The word “Breton” comes from Latin. From French Breton, going back through Old French to Latin Brittō — the same root that eventually gave English "Briton".

Is “Breton” a common word?

“Breton” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Breton” have?

“Breton” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person from Brittany, the region in northwest France.