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.
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 Joan of Arc armor in the form of hardened corsets, even breastplates, were built into a number of dresses. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2026 The cuirass, a piece of armor consisting of a breastplate and backplate fastened together, was inspired by another set piece in the film — a mystical siren painted on a ship. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 Better to go in generously, wearing the mighty breastplate of total undefendedness. — James Parker, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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