First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1boast
noun \ˈbōst\
: a statement in which you express too much pride in yourself or in something you have, have done, or are connected to in some way
: a reason to be proud : something impressive that someone or something has or has done
Full Definition of BOAST
2
: a cause for pride
— boast·ful \ˈbōst-fəl\ adjective
— boast·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— boast·ful·ness noun
See boast defined for English-language learners
See boast defined for kids
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Origin of BOAST
Middle English boost
2boast
verb
Definition of BOAST
intransitive verb
1
: to puff oneself up in speech : speak vaingloriously
transitive verb
1
: to speak of or assert with excessive pride
2
a : to possess and often call attention to (something that is a source of pride) <boasts a new stadium> b : have, contain <a room boasting no more than a desk and a chair>
— boast·er noun
First Known Use of BOAST
14th century
Synonym Discussion of BOAST
boast, brag, vaunt, crow mean to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments. boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration <boasts of every trivial success>, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride <the town boasts one of the best museums in the area>. brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself <bragging of their exploits>. vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag <vaunted his country's military might>. crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging <crowed after winning the championship>.
3boast
verb
Definition of BOAST
transitive verb
: to shape (stone) roughly in sculpture and stonecutting as a preliminary to finer work
Origin of BOAST
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1823
BOAST Defined for Kids
1boast
verb \ˈbōst\
boast·edboast·ing
Definition of BOAST for Kids
1
: to express too much pride in a person's own qualities, possessions, or achievements <Players on the other team boasted of their strength.>
2
: to have and be proud of having <Our school boasts more top students than any other in the city.>
2boast
noun
Definition of BOAST for Kids
1
: an act of expressing too much pride in a person's own qualities, possessions, or achievements
2
: a cause for pride
— boast·ful \ˈbōst-fəl\ adjective
— boast·ful·ly adverb
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