broach

1 of 3

noun

ˈbrōch

Synonyms of broach next

: brooch

wore a lovely broach on her lapel

: any of various pointed or tapered tools, implements, or parts: such as

: a spit for roasting meat

: a tool for tapping casks

: a cutting tool for removing material from metal or plastic to shape an outside surface or a hole

broach

2 of 3

verb (1)

broached; broaching; broaches

transitive verb

: to pierce (something, such as a cask) in order to draw the contents

also : to open for the first time

: to open up or break into (a mine, stores, etc.)

: to shape or enlarge (a hole) with a broach (see broach entry 1 sense 2c)

: to make known for the first time

: to open up (a subject) for discussion

a good time to broach the subject

intransitive verb

: to break the surface from below

the whale broached

broacher noun

broach

3 of 3

verb (2)

broached; broaching; broaches

intransitive verb

nautical : to veer or yaw dangerously so as to lie broadside to the waves

—often used with to

Our ship broached to.

Choose the Right Synonym for broach

express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels.

express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces.

expressed her feelings in music

vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express especially in words.

a tirade venting his frustration

utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech.

utter a groan

voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words.

an editorial voicing their concerns

broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion.

broached the subject of a divorce

air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention.

publicly airing their differences

Examples of broach in a Sentence

Verb (1) the immense whales broaching was a magnificent sight broached the topic of plans for next year's parade

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

See what was found inside The metal detectorists discovered four brooches, some buckles, a tubular pendant, a bronze bead, a ring and fragments of more broaches, the association said. —

Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 The Oscars red carpet pre-show — that consisted of a black suit jacket and black trousers with an eye-catching silver broach. —

Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for broach

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'broach.' 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

Noun

Middle English broche "pointed instrument, brooch," borrowed from Anglo-French, "pointed object, brooch, spigot," going back to Vulgar Latin *brocca, noun derivative from feminine of Latin broccus "prominent, projecting," of uncertain origin

Verb (1)

Middle English brochen "to pierce, skewer (meat), tap (a cask)," borrowed from Anglo-French brocher "to prick, spur, stab," verbal derivative of broche "pointed object" — more at broach entry 1

Verb (2)

perhaps from broach entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Verb (2)

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of broach was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Broach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broach. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

broach

1 of 2 noun

ˈbrōch

: any of various pointed or narrowed tools or parts

especially : one used for shaping a hole already bored

broach

2 of 2 verb

: to make a hole in (as a cask) in order to draw off the contents

: to bring up for discussion

broach a subject

: to break the surface (as of water) from below

saw a submarine broaching

Medical Definition

broach

1 of 2 noun

ˈbrōch

: a fine tapered flexible instrument used in dentistry to remove dental pulp and to dress a root canal

broach

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to open (a vein) to draw blood

Last Updated: 20 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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broach

noun

verb (1)

verb (2)

Synonyms

Examples of broach in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near broach

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition