breadth

noun

ˈbretth 

ˈbredth,

nonstandard

ˈbreth 

1

: distance from side to side : width

the height, breadth, and depth of each piece of furniture

2

: something of full width

begin with a breadth of silk

3

a

: comprehensive quality : scope

the breadth of his learning

b

: liberality of views or taste

breadth of mind

breadthwise

ˈbretth-ˌwīz 

ˈbredth-

 nonstandard  ˈbreth-

adverb or adjective

Synonyms

• distance
• expanse
• expansion
• extent
• field
• length
• plain
• reach
• sheet
• spread
• stretch
• waste

Examples of breadth in a Sentence

We measured the height, breadth, and depth of each piece of furniture.

a great breadth of land awaited those who were brave and hardy enough to settle it

Recent Examples on the Web

Two looks that show the breadth of Kajal Patel’s wedding wear. —Alice Newbold, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024

And the parties are at odds over the breadth of her influence. —Mike Lillis, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024

Soon, employees' career growth will depend on the breadth of their skills and their ability to learn and adapt quickly. —Dr. Lisa Toppin, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Overall, End of Summer is a versatile collection of songs that show off the breadth of DeJ’s considerable — and in her eyes, overlooked — talent. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English breadeth, breth, from brede breadth (from Old English brǣdu, from brād broad) + -th (as in lengthe length)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breadth

• hair's breadth
• the length and breadth of

Kids Definition

breadth

noun

ˈbredth  ˈbretth 

ˈbreth

1

: distance from side to side : width

2

a

: something of full width

b

: a wide area

3

: scope entry 1 sense 2

breadth of knowledge