chest

noun

1
a
: a container for storage or shipping
especially : a box with a lid used especially for the safekeeping of belongings
b
: a cupboard used especially for the storing of medicines or first-aid supplies
2
: the place where money of a public institution is kept : treasury
also : the fund so kept
3
a
: thorax sense 1
especially : the part of the human body enclosed by the ribs and sternum
b
: breast sense 2a
a hairy chest
chestful noun

Examples of chest in a Sentence

He has a broad chest. The pain is in my upper chest.
Recent Examples on the Web To keep your breaths nice and deep, aim to keep each one coming from your stomach as opposed to your chest. Georgia Day, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 Players needed to deal about 5 trillion damage to break the chest free, which was done within 24 hours. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 One hundred twenty-five chest protectors and 250 Kevlar helmets. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 The gunfire struck a 37-year-old man at least twice in the chest. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2024 Rodgers was shot multiple times in the chest around 10 p.m. Saturday in the 2900 block of Crockett Street. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2024 Other symptoms of the condition include lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Parents and caregivers should watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or the baby's chest feeling hot to the touch. Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 Brisket is a cut from the cow or pig located beneath the shoulder, typically around the chest area. Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cest, cist chest, box, from Latin cista, from Greek kistē basket, hamper

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near chest

Cite this Entry

“Chest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chest. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chest

noun
1
: a container (as a box or case) for storing, safekeeping, or shipping
tool chest
linen chest
2
: a public fund
community chest
3
: the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum
chested
ˈches-təd
adjective
chestful noun

Medical Definition

chest

noun
1
2
: the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum

More from Merriam-Webster on chest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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