broach

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈbrōch 

broached; broaching; broaches

transitive verb

1

a

: to open up (a subject) for discussion

a good time to broach the subject

b

: to make known for the first time

2

a

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

also : to open for the first time

b

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

3

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

intransitive verb

: to break the surface from below

the whale broached

broacher noun

broach

2 of 3

noun

1

: brooch

wore a lovely broach on her lapel

2

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

a

: a spit for roasting meat

b

: a tool for tapping casks

c

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

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.

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• break
• surface

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

Verb

Chloe Okuno’s Watcher and Mariama Diallo’s Master (2022) broached the fears stemming from not believing women and modern diagnoses of hysteria through two distinct racial lenses. —Richard Newby, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024

In 1986, Baker first broached the topic in a note to the cardinal after Mahony appealed for priests to report inappropriate behavior, according to internal church records. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024

Noun

However, men and broaches are now having a little moment, as are men and initial-pendant necklaces, and together all of this may explain why the daring, design-forward watches from Piaget—vintage and new—are also having a moment. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2024

Pumpkin spice flavors some of our favorite autumn baking projects, starting with Pumpkin Spice-Heath Cake and Pumpkin Spice Cookies, and even broaches not-so-edible products like scented trash bags, candles, soaps, and dog treats. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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 2

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 (2)

perhaps from broach entry 1

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1699, in the meaning defined above

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

1

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

2

: to bring up for discussion

broach a subject

3

: 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