pectoral

1 of 2

noun

pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl How to pronounce pectoral (audio)
1
: something worn on the breast
2
: pectoral muscle

pectoral

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, situated in or on, or worn on the chest
2
: coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion

Examples of pectoral 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.
Noun
Tobias Harris can poke your eyes out with those pectorals. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 14 May 2026 Agamemnon would be a big muscle, like a pectoral, but Psoas is an unknown foot soldier. — Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Adjective
To achieve their audacious goals, the fish use hook-like growths on the undersides of both their pectoral and pelvic fins to push themselves upward. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026 Epenesa dealt with a concussion last season and also sustained foot, neck and pectoral injuries; the neck injury was the most recent of the four. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pectoral

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast; akin to Tocharian A päśšäm breasts, Old Irish ucht breast

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pectoral was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing pectoral

Rhymes for pectoral

See All Rhymes for pectoral

Browse Nearby Words

pectolite
pectoral
pectoral cross
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pectoral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pectoral. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

pectoral

adjective
pec·​to·​ral
ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl
: of, relating to, or situated in, near, or on the chest

Medical Definition

pectoral

1 of 2 noun
pec·​to·​ral ˈpek-t(ə-)rəl How to pronounce pectoral (audio)
1
: a pectoral part or organ
especially : pectoralis
2
: a medicinal substance for treating diseases of the respiratory tract

pectoral

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or occurring in or on the chest
pectoral arch
2
: relating to or good for diseases of the respiratory tract
a pectoral syrup

More from Merriam-Webster on pectoral

Nglish: Translation of pectoral for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pectoral

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