breech: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical
Quick answer
What does “breech” mean?
the lower or rear part of something, especially the buttocks or back of a gun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the lower or rear part of something, especially the buttocks or back of a gun
A breech refers to the rear part of a firearm where ammunition is loaded; in obstetrics, a breech birth means a baby positioned to be born buttocks or feet first; it can also denote the lower part of a pulley block or machinery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use 'breech birth' in obstetrics and 'breech' for firearms. Historical 'breeches' (trousers) is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical/medical in both; neutral, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both UK and US English, primarily found in medical, military, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “breech” in a Sentence
to deliver a breech [baby]to load from the breecha breech is positionedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breech” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The midwife had to carefully manage the labour as the baby was breeched.
- The antique cannon was breeched for inspection.
American English
- The doctor explained the risks associated with a breeched baby.
- They breeched the rifle to clean the barrel.
adverb
British English
- The baby was lying breech (rare).
American English
- The fetus was positioned breech (rare).
adjective
British English
- It was a complicated breech delivery.
- He collected breech-loading shotguns.
American English
- The breech presentation required a C-section.
- The breech mechanism was jammed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in medical journals (obstetrics) and historical/military studies.
Everyday
Rare; if used, likely in discussing birth or historical firearms.
Technical
Common in obstetrics (breech birth/presentation) and firearms engineering (breech-loading mechanism).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breech”
- Misspelling as 'breach'.
- Using 'breech' to mean a violation (that is 'breach').
- Pronouncing it /britʃ/ (like 'britch') instead of /briːtʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Breech' refers to the rear/buttocks or a gun part. 'Breach' means a break, gap, or violation (e.g., breach of contract, breach in security).
Yes, but rarely. It can mean 'to fit or furnish with a breech' (firearms) or, in obstetrics, 'to be in or put into a breech position'. The verb form is highly technical.
Yes, historically. 'Breeches' (trousers covering the hips and thighs) comes from the same root, referring to a garment for the lower body. The singular 'breech' for the garment is obsolete.
Associate the double 'e' in 'breech' with 'behind' or 'rear end'. 'Breach' has a single 'e' and relates to 'break' (both have an 'a').
the lower or rear part of something, especially the buttocks or back of a gun.
Breech is usually formal, technical in register.
Breech: in British English it is pronounced /briːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /briːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “breech of the peace (archaic, confusion with 'breach')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'breech' sounds like 'beach' but with an 'r' – a baby in a breech position might be sitting on its 'rear' at the 'beach'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE REAR IS THE BASE/SUPPORT (the breech supports the firearm's operation; the baby's breech is the base from which birth may proceed).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary use of 'breech'?