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 Though Sweeney kept her actual hands in her pockets while posing on the red carpet, her nails were a mini work of art just like the intricate breastplate. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 Mar. 2024 Ncuti Gatwa wore a silver breastplate molded to his body, while Russel Westbrook ditched the sleeves on his suit. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 Illustrations and paintings of Joan of Arc, a national heroine of France who led troops to a historic victory in 1429, often depict her wearing a breastplate, with and without its surrounding armor. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 Fellow stars like Jennifer Lopez and Sydney Sweeney have also slipped into fashion metallic breastplates, too. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2024 During a recent performance at a showing of the Drag Race season 16 premiere, Amanda got up on stage during her Werk Room entrance, wearing the same breastplate that could be seen on the screen behind her, and cut it in half with a large pair of scissors as the crowd applauded. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 9 Jan. 2024 At Elle’s Women in Hollywood ceremony in December, Lopez, who was honored with the Icon Award, bared her famous abs in a Grace Ling backless gown featuring a whiplash-inducing metallic breastplate top. Brittany Talarico, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024 Jennifer Lopez Stuns in a Chic Button-Down Dress While Out in Los Angeles Lopez wore a silver chrome breastplate to the event. Chris Barilla, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023 At Elle’s Women In Hollywood Celebration on December 5, the singer was giving us abs for days and plenty of under boob in a cropped, backless silver breastplate by designer Grace Ling. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breastplate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near breastplate

Cite this Entry

“Breastplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastplate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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