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

Explanation

Broach means to bring up or introduce a sensitive issue. If your best friend has severe phobia of spiders, you might want to delicately broach the topic of your new pet tarantula, Mr. Fuzzy. Let's say you want to go on vacation with a friend and you ask your dad because he is more likely to say yes. He will probably tell you that he will broach the subject with your mom and let you know. In a less common (and older) usage of broach, if you put a hole in something in order to get out what's inside you broach it. The piercing tool you use is also called a broach. Think of piercing someone with your idea the next time you broach a touchy issue.

Example Sentences

The doula encouraged Behrens to broach difficult questions with her dying husband - including where he wanted to be buried and what he wanted his funeral to be like.

From BBC • May 2, 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

Perhaps Lansbury isn’t the most obvious role model or hero — no cape, but instead an adorable blazer, broach and practical pumps.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

Because they were open-minded and liberal, Charles knew he could broach with them some of the radical scientific thoughts he was beginning to have.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• bring up
• hint at
• moot
• touch on