noun
pecs
peks
Pecs (noun) means the chest muscles, especially the pectoralis major on each side of the upper chest. Example: “Bench presses and push-ups both work the pecs.”
noun
1
informal The chest muscles, especially the pectoralis major on each side of the upper chest.
"Bench presses and push-ups both work the pecs."
"He has built serious pecs since joining the gym."
How to use pecs
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe big muscles across your chest.
When to use it
Informal gym and fitness slang; write pectoral muscles in medical or formal contexts.
Memory tip
Almost always plural. The singular pec appears in gym terms like 'pec fly' and 'pec deck'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
build your pecs
upper pecs
lower pecs
pec deck
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Bench presses and push-ups both work the _____.
Etymology
A shortening of pectorals, from Latin pectoralis, from pectus meaning 'chest'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What muscles are the pecs?
Mainly the pectoralis major, the large fan-shaped muscle covering the front of the ribcage, plus the smaller pectoralis minor underneath it. The pectoralis major pulls the arm across and in towards the body.
What is the difference between upper and lower pecs?
They are regions of the same muscle rather than separate muscles. The clavicular head, the so-called upper pecs, attaches to the collarbone and is emphasised by incline pressing; the sternal head, the lower and larger part, is worked more by flat and decline pressing.
Does PECS ever mean something other than chest muscles?
Yes. In education and speech therapy, PECS stands for the Picture Exchange Communication System, a method that lets non-speaking people communicate by handing over picture cards. Context makes the two easy to tell apart.
What is the meaning of pecs?
"pecs" (noun) means the chest muscles, especially the pectoralis major on each side of the upper chest.
