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noun Uncommon

Breton

BREH-tuhn

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
1
A person from Brittany, the region in northwest France.
"The restaurant was run by a Breton who insisted on serving proper buckwheat crepes."
2
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
1
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

Word forms

Bretons plural

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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

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial