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.

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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

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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

Example Sentences

“My heavens!” she whispered, clasping her hands to her bosom.

From Literature

Events stretch on, the rain long forgotten, the music and laughter our bosom companions.

From Salon

As much as anything else, it was Updike’s willingness to take America to his bosom—what he found lacking in Lewis—that guarantees his permanent place in this country’s literature.

From The Wall Street Journal

Agnew describes two of her children “literally swinging off her long golden hair” and one that clings to her bosom for every moment of the four hours she spends with the family.

From Salon

“You leave drama school, which is a lovely, cozy bosom where you get to do the thing you love every day. Then you go, ‘Hang on.

From Los Angeles Times