broach

American  

[brohch] / broʊtʃ /

noun

1. Machinery. an elongated, tapered, serrated cutting tool for shaping and enlarging holes.

2. a spit for roasting meat.

3. a gimlet for tapping casks.

4. (in a lock) a pin receiving the barrel of a key.

5. Architecture. Also broach spire an octagonal spire rising directly from a tower without any intervening feature.

6. Masonry. a pointed tool for the rough dressing of stone.

7. brooch.

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verb (used with object)

1. to enlarge and finish with a broach.

   Synonyms:

   advance, submit, propose, introduce

2. to mention or suggest for the first time.

   to broach a subject.

3. to draw (beer, liquor, etc.), as by tapping.

   to broach beer from a keg.

4. to tap or pierce.

5. Masonry. to shape or dress (a block of stone).

verb (used without object)

1. Nautical. (of a sailing vessel) to veer to windward.

2. to break the surface of water; rise from the sea, as a fish or a submarine.

broach ¹ British  

/ brəʊtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to initiate (a topic) for discussion

   to broach a dangerous subject

2. (tr) to tap or pierce (a container) to draw off (a liquid)

   to broach a cask

   to broach wine

3. (tr) to open in order to begin to use

   to broach a shipment

4. (intr) to break the surface of the water

   the trout broached after being hooked

5. (tr) machinery to enlarge and finish (a hole) by reaming

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noun

1. a long tapered toothed cutting tool for enlarging holes

2. a spit for roasting meat, etc

3. a roof covering the corner triangle on the top of a square tower having an octagonal spire

4. a pin, forming part of some types of lock, that registers in the hollow bore of a key

5. a tool used for tapping casks

6. a less common spelling of brooch

broach ² British  

/ brəʊtʃ /

verb

1. nautical (usually foll by to) to cause (a sailing vessel) to swerve sharply and dangerously or (of a sailing vessel) to swerve sharply and dangerously in a following sea, so as to be broadside to the waves

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Other Word Forms

• broacher noun
• unbroached adjective

Etymology

Origin of broach

1175–1225; (noun) Middle English broche < Anglo-French, Old French < Vulgar Latin *brocca spike, horn, tap of a cask ( Medieval Latin broca ), noun use of feminine of Latin adj. brocc ( h ) us projecting (said of teeth); (v.) Middle English brochen < Old French broch ( i ) er, derivative of the noun

Example Sentences

Sending a letter or an email to your estranged child could be a good way to broach the subject of reconciliation, say some therapists.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

The populist leader has said he would broach the subject with U.S. officials in Davos, Switzerland, this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Those who did broach the topic with the partners were more likely to plan for key risks and expenses in retirement such as healthcare, taxes, daily expenses and inflation.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025

On the weekly chart, the stock is once again approaching the key $30 round number, an area it has tested three times since mid-2022, but failed to broach.

From Barron's • Oct. 8, 2025

He thought she was about to broach an impossible obstacle and he meant, of course, someone, but she didn't understand.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• bring up
• hint at
• moot
• touch on