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

However, authentic leadership thrives not in the breadth of relationships but in their depth, quality, and relevance. —David Nour, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Dre seems eager to reassert the breadth of his talent and toast to his own legacy. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024

Knee-high socks should come to two fingers' breadth below the knee bend. —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 17 Dec. 2024

Despite the market’s bad breadth, with more sellers than buyers recently, Jim warned in his Sunday column about some hot stocks sending the wrong signals to investors. —Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 16 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