bosom

[booz-uhm, boo-zuhm]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bosom¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bosom¹

Old English bōsm ; related to Old High German buosam

Example Sentences

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

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on Salon

Remarkably, at 19, he wrote of the need for “an author who can see America as clearly as Sinclair Lewis, but, unlike Lewis, is willing to take it to his bosom.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I want to see your bosoms jouncing during fellowship,” he commands a member of his flock.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Salon