breastplate

noun

breast·​plate ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt How to pronounce breastplate (audio)
1
: a usually metal plate worn as defensive armor for the breast see armor illustration
2
: a vestment worn in ancient times by a Jewish high priest and set with 12 gems bearing the names of the tribes of Israel
3
: a piece against which a worker's breast is pressed in operating a tool (such as a breast drill)

Examples of breastplate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Victoria Beckam’s Portofino ‘97 scent comes in a turquoise flask that can fit in your palm and dangle at your breastplate. — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 The lace-up breastplate, which resembled a Greek sculpture, flowed into a white and ombré grey beaded bottom. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 Kardashian, in a skin-tight orange breastplate bodysuit with an open-front skirt, rocked a shoulder-length dirty blonde lob. — Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 20 May 2026 The Household Cavalry, on dark horses and with brightly shining breastplates, trotted past, jingling like a cutlery drawer. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for breastplate

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastplate was in the 14th century

Rhymes for breastplate

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Browse Nearby Words

breastpin
breastplate
breastplow
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Cite this Entry

“Breastplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastplate. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breastplate

noun
breast·​plate ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt How to pronounce breastplate (audio)
: metal armor for covering the breast

More from Merriam-Webster on breastplate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breastplate

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