breastbone

noun

breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˌbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)
: sternum

Examples of breastbone 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.
Lay the chicken breast-side up, open the two sides like a book, and press down to crack the breastbone. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 Doctors landed on a diagnosis of costochondritis, which Mayo Clinic describes as an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 The thymus is a small organ behind the breastbone that helps to establish the body’s immune system early in life. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 6 May 2026 The first is open-heart surgery, which involves cutting through the breastbone to directly access the heart. — Sue Peschin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for breastbone

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastbone was before the 12th century

Rhymes for breastbone

See All Rhymes for breastbone

Browse Nearby Words

breast board
breastbone
breast collar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breastbone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastbone. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breastbone

noun
breast·​bone ˈbres(t)-ˈbōn How to pronounce breastbone (audio)
-ˌbōn
: sternum

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on breastbone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breastbone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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