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

Combining an inventory of used and new books means no title is unreachable due to being out of print, and books are made more unattainable with a breadth of price points. —American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

Just as the Oscar Best Picture race remains wide open as 2024 comes to an end, there’s a similar sense of excitement mounting about the breadth and range of films competing for Best International Feature Film. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024

Smithsonian staff members’ reading tastes are just as varied as their work, a reflection of the breadth of their knowledge and interests. —Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024

The Washington Post: The extraordinary breadth of Hunter Biden’s pardon. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 3 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