Chest
/tʃɛst/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe part of the body enclosed by the ribs, containing the heart and lungs.
/tʃɛst/
The front part of the human body between the neck and the abdomen.
He held his chest in pain.
💡 Simply: Your chest is the area between your neck and your tummy, where your heart and lungs live. It's like a strong box protecting them!
👶 For kids: It's where your heart beats and you breathe from!
More Examples
She wore a beautiful necklace on her chest.
How It's Used
"The doctor examined the patient's chest for signs of infection."
"He felt a sharp pain in his chest."
A box or container, usually large and strong.
/tʃɛst/
A large, strong box, typically made of wood, used for storage.
He opened the wooden chest.
💡 Simply: A chest is like a big, sturdy box for keeping things safe, like clothes or toys.
👶 For kids: It's a big box for toys!
More Examples
She stored her winter clothes in the chest.
How It's Used
"The antique chest held generations of family heirlooms."
Idioms & expressions
get something off your chest
To express something that has been bothering you.
"I needed to get it off my chest, so I told him how I felt."
From Old English *ċest, from Proto-Germanic *kistą, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kist-. Related to words meaning 'box' or 'container' in various languages.
The word 'chest' has been used in its current senses for centuries, with its primary meaning relating to the container and the human torso.
Memory tip
Think of a treasure chest – your heart and lungs are precious treasures inside your chest.
Word Origin
"box, container"