pectoral
Americanadjective
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of, in, on, or pertaining to the chest or breast; thoracic.
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worn on the breast or chest.
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proceeding from the heart or inner consciousness.
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Speech. (of a vocal quality) appearing to come from resonance in the chest; full or deep.
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of or for diseases of the lungs.
noun
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Anatomy. a pectoral part or organ, as a pectoral muscle.
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something worn on the breast for ornament, protection, etc., as a breastplate.
adjective
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of or relating to the chest, breast, or thorax
pectoral fins
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worn on the breast or chest
a pectoral medallion
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rare heartfelt or sincere
noun
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a pectoral organ or part, esp a muscle or fin
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a medicine or remedy for disorders of the chest or lungs
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anything worn on the chest or breast for decoration or protection
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pectoral
1400–50; (noun) late Middle English < Latin pectorāle, noun use of neuter of pectorālis of the breast ( pector-, stem of pectus breast + -ālis -al 1 ); (adj.) < Latin pectorālis
Vocabulary lists containing pectoral
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.
That body was found with two bracelets, two earrings, and pectoral jewelry that featured bats and crocodiles, she added.
From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026
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
A below-par display against Dimitrov went unpunished when the luckless Bulgarian popped a pectoral muscle in the third set.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2025
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
Despite her dosing him with the cherry pectoral every few hours, and rubbing his chest with camphor oil, he had still hacked most of the night, sometimes having trouble catching his breath.
From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper
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