breastplate

noun

breast·​plate ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt 

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

The polish issues that Michelle brings up with her look this week are also really big problems: The bottom of the breastplate is visible, her undergarments are showing in the back, the sizing of the hair is totally wrong, etc. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025

And then, of course, putting on Maximus’ breastplate is pretty insane. —Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024

Oh look, here’s Maximus’s breastplate (which will later become literal plot armor). —Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Roman military officers often decorated their breastplates with symbols of life milestones or achievements. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

breastplate

noun

breast·​plate ˈbres(t)-ˌplāt 

: metal armor for covering the breast