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

While established players often tout the breadth of their offerings, nimble and focused cybersecurity solutions are more likely to win the trust of forward-thinking CISOs and enterprises. —James Winebrenner, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

And though Chen maneuvers every temporal and geographical shift, efforts to convey the political context of each new era can outweigh character development, undercutting the emotional breadth this story carries. —Kayla Maiuri, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025

According to international law, the Philippine economic zone extends 200 nautical miles (230 miles) from baselines where the breadth of the country's territorial sea is measured. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024

While streaming their music is still a transportive experience, try getting out to a live show to understand the full breadth of their act. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 29 Dec. 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