chest

noun

ˈchest 

1

a

: a container for storage or shipping

especially : a box with a lid used especially for the safekeeping of belongings

b

: a cupboard used especially for the storing of medicines or first-aid supplies

2

: the place where money of a public institution is kept : treasury

also : the fund so kept

3

a

: thorax sense 1

especially : the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs and sternum

b

: breast sense 2a

a hairy chest

chestful

ˈchest-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Synonyms

• bin
• box
• caddy
• case
• casket
• locker
• trunk

Examples of chest in a Sentence

He has a broad chest.

The pain is in my upper chest.

Recent Examples on the Web

This rash typically starts on the face and spreads over the body, including hands, feet, genitals, and chest. —Francisco J. Rivera Rosario, Health, 7 June 2025

However, a few years ago, during a routine physical, Jones’ primary care doctor found something unusual in his chest X-ray. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025

In the 87th minute, Seattle forward Emery Adames took a chest pass from Jess Fishlock, moving up the field, twisting and turning around defender Kennedy Wesley. —Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025

Grab some friends and family, make some sandwiches, pack an ice chest of drinks and prep your summer playlist. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cest, cist chest, box, from Latin cista, from Greek kistē basket, hamper

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing chest

• blanket chest
• chest of drawers
• chest-thumping
• community chest
• get (something) off one's chest
• hold/keep/play (something) close to one's chest
• hope chest
• medicine chest
• play/hold/keep one's cards close to the/one's chest/vest
• sea chest
• slop chest
• steam chest
• treasure chest
• war chest

Rhymes for chest

• blessed
• blest
• breast
• crest
• dressed
• fest
• gest
• geste
• guessed
• jest
• lest
• messed

Kids Definition

chest

noun

ˈchest 

1

: a container (as a box or case) for storing, safekeeping, or shipping

tool chest

linen chest

2

: a public fund

community chest

3

: the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum

chested

ˈches-təd

adjective

chestful

ˈchest-ˌfu̇l 

noun

Medical Definition

chest

noun

ˈchest 

1

: medicine chest

2

: the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum