First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1broad
adjective \ˈbrȯd\
: large from one side to the other side
: having a specified width
: including or involving many things or people : wide in range or amount
Full Definition of BROAD
1
a : having ample extent from side to side or between limits <broad shoulders> b : having a specified extension from side to side <made the path 10 feet broad>
2
: extending far and wide : spacious <the broad plains>
4
: dialectal especially in pronunciation
5
6
of a vowel : open —used specifically of a pronounced as in father
8
: relating to the main or essential points <broad outlines>
— broad·ly adverb
— broad·ness noun
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Origin of BROAD
Middle English brood, from Old English brād; akin to Old High German breit broad
Related to BROAD
Synonym Discussion of BROAD
broad, wide, deep mean having horizontal extent. broad and wide apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side <a broad avenue>. wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned <rugs eight feet wide> or applied to unfilled space between limits <a wide doorway>. broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered <broad shoulders>. deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point <a deep cupboard> <deep woods>.
2broad
adverb
Definition of BROAD
: in a broad manner : fully <broad awake>
First Known Use of BROAD
before 12th century
3broad
noun
Definition of BROAD
1
British : an expansion of a river —often used in plural
2
often offensive : woman
See broad defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BROAD
1659
Broad
geographical name \ˈbrȯd\
Definition of BROAD
1
river 220 miles (354 kilometers) North Carolina & South Carolina — see saluda
2
river 70 miles (113 kilometers) S South Carolina flowing into the Atlantic
BROAD Defined for Kids
broad
adjective \ˈbrȯd\
broad·erbroad·est
Definition of BROAD for Kids
1
: not narrow : wide <a broad stripe>
2
: extending far and wide : spacious <broad prairies>
4
: not limited <a broad choice of subjects>
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