breeching

noun

breech·​ing ˈbrē-chiŋ How to pronounce breeching (audio) ˈbri- How to pronounce breeching (audio)
1
: the part of a harness that passes around the rump of a draft animal
2
: the short coarse wool on the rump and hind legs of a sheep or goat
also : the hair on the corresponding part of a dog

Examples of breeching in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But my greatest thrill was seeing humpback whales cruising through these breeding waters, not only spouting as usual but also hurling themselves out of the water (known as breeching). Doug Hansen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 3 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1524, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeching was circa 1524

Dictionary Entries Near breeching

Cite this Entry

“Breeching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeching. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!