pectoral muscle

British

noun

either of two large chest muscles ( pectoralis major and pectoralis minor ), that assist in movements of the shoulder and upper arm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But let's not forget Grigor Dimitrov led Sinner by two sets to love in the Wimbledon fourth round before tearing his right pectoral muscle as he sent down a 14th ace.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

The 34-year-old Dimitrov, who has now been forced to retire in each of his past five Grand Slam appearances, clenched his right pectoral muscle and could not continue following a short medical timeout.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2025

On offense, left tackle Rashawn Slater was sidelined with a strained pectoral muscle.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024

During his senior year at Hawaiian preps powerhouse St. Louis, he tore his left pectoral muscle.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Pain in left great pectoral muscle, worse toward the tendon.

From New, Old, and Forgotten Remedies: Papers by Many Writers by Anshutz, Edward Pollock

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023