broch

1 of 2

obsolete variant of brooch

broch

2 of 2

noun

ˈbräḵ,
ˈbrəḵ
plural -s
1
Scottish : a luminous ring around the moon popularly regarded as an omen of bad weather
2
: one of the prehistoric circular stone towers found on the Orkney and Shetland islands and the Scottish mainland and usually consisting of double walls enclosing small apartments about a central court

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Scots broch, bruch, literally, borough, from Middle English (Scots) brugh borough, alteration of Middle English burgh

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near broch

Cite this Entry

“Broch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broch. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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