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

Extra mucus in your throat and chest is a common symptom of respiratory viruses, such as the flu and COVID-19. —Korin Miller, Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Shortness of breath in the middle of the night with no chest pain. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Babies may also develop pneumonia — which may cause chest pain that gets worse when a child breathes or coughs — seizures and deydration. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

The facts: Shortness of breath, fatigue throughout the day, chest tightness, and a rapid heartbeat are all indications of a potential cardiovascular issue. —Elizabeth Millard, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

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

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