B2noun2K

Breast

UK /["/brest/"]/US /["/brest/"]/

Definition

either of the two round soft parts at the front of a woman’s body that produce milk when she has had a baby

In simple words: The front part of a person's or animal's body where milk comes from.

Examples

  • She decided to breastfeed her baby for six months.
  • The doctor examined a lump in her breast during the routine check-up.
  • He has a tattoo across his chest and breast area.
  • Breast cancer awareness month is observed in October.
  • The athlete's effort to breast the tape first was commendable.

Usage notes

Used in both biological and anatomical contexts. In informal settings, it can also refer to a person's emotions or bravery (e.g., 'heart of a lion'). Avoid in overly formal context unless discussing medical or anatomical subjects.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'breast' as the 'best' part of the body for feeding babies.

Collocations

  • ample
  • big
  • enormous
  • cancer
  • lump
  • tumour/​tumor
  • beat your breast
  • clutch somebody/​something to your breast
  • hold somebody/​something to your breast
  • ample
  • big
  • enormous
  • cancer
  • lump
  • tumour/​tumor
  • ample
  • big
  • enormous
  • cancer
  • lump
  • tumour/​tumor
  • ample
  • big
  • enormous
  • cancer
  • lump
  • tumour/​tumor

Synonyms

  • chest

Antonyms

  • back
  • abdomen

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'chest', which refers to the area in general rather than specifically the breasts.
  • Used inappropriately in slang contexts where it may be considered vulgar.
  • Mispronounced or misspelled as 'breas' or 'brest'.