bosom

American  

[booz-uhm, boo-zuhm] / ˈbʊz əm, ˈbu zəm /

noun

1. the breast of a human being.

2. the breasts of a woman.

3. the part of a garment that covers the breast.

4. the breast, conceived of as the center of feelings or emotions.

   Synonyms:

   affection, heart

5. something likened to the human breast.

   the bosom of the earth.

6. a state of enclosing intimacy; warm closeness.

   the bosom of the family.

---

adjective

1. of, relating to, or worn on or over the bosom.

2. intimate or confidential.

   a bosom friend.

   Synonyms:

   dear, intimate, close

verb (used with object)

1. to take to the bosom; embrace; cherish.

2. to hide from view; conceal.

bosom British  

/ ˈbʊzəm /

noun

1. the chest or breast of a person, esp the female breasts

2. the part of a woman's dress, coat, etc, that covers the chest

3. a protective centre or part

   the bosom of the family

4. the breast considered as the seat of emotions

5. (modifier) very dear; intimate

   a bosom friend

---

verb

1. to embrace

2. to conceal or carry in the bosom

Etymology

Origin of bosom

before 1000; Middle English; Old English bōs ( u ) m; cognate with Dutch boesem, German Busen

Explanation

The bosom is the breast or chest area of the body. It is also poetically considered to be the place where our feelings reside. Used as a verb or noun, bosom originates from the Old English word bosm, meaning "breast, womb, surface, or ship's hold." It is commonly used as a polite reference to a woman's breasts. Because our bosom (chest) contains our heart, it has also become known as the place where our feelings, intuitions, or secret thoughts are kept. Close friends are sometimes called "bosom buddies."

Example Sentences

The most famous of these, perhaps, is the Greek myth in which Hera pushes away the baby Heracles from her bosom, and her breast milk spills from horizon to horizon.

From Scientific American • Aug. 4, 2023

Clutch your bosom and reach for the smelling salts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2023

Durham and Barr became bosom buddies, throwing back scotch together at the end of the work day and having dinner on a regular basis.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2023

There is a fire burning in its bosom, what can we do?

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2023

The water in it and the squirming newt splashed out all over Miss Trunchbull's enormous bosom.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl