Brooch vs Broach Quiz: Test Yourself
Five quick questions on brooch vs broach. Pick an answer to get instant feedback.
Flip Cards: Quick Review
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A decorative pin worn on clothing (noun).
“She pinned a silver brooch to her coat.”
To bring up a subject, or to open something (verb).
“I need to broach the topic with him.”
The plural of brooch.
“Her grandmother collected antique brooches.”
To come near a topic or person; shares -oach with broach.
“How should I approach the subject?”
Brooch vs broach is a confusing pair because the two words sound alike and look almost identical, yet one is a piece of jewelry and the other is an action. Only the vowels and the part of speech differ. This guide explains what each word means, shows them in real sentences and gives you a few tricks so you never swap them again.
Brooch vs Broach at a Glance
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooch | A decorative pin or clasp worn on clothing | Noun (jewelry) | “She wore a pearl brooch on her jacket.” |
| Broach (verb) | To bring up a subject, or to open something for the first time | Verb | “He broached the subject of a raise.” |
| Broach (noun) | A pointed or cutting tool, as used in some crafts and machining | Noun (rare) | “The machinist used a broach to shape the slot.” |
What does brooch mean?
A brooch is a piece of jewelry with a pin or clasp on the back, worn fastened to clothing. People pin brooches to lapels, collars, scarves, hats and the fronts of dresses.
Brooches range from simple metal pins to elaborate pieces set with gems, pearls or enamel. Many are passed down as family keepsakes, which is why you will often hear about antique brooches and vintage brooches. The plural is brooches.
What does broach mean?
To broach a subject is to bring it up for discussion, especially a topic that may be sensitive or awkward. It is the verb you use when you finally raise a difficult question.
It also means to open something, such as a container, for the first time and start using what is inside. You can broach a bottle of wine or broach a barrel.
The verb forms are broach, broaches, broached and broaching. The idiom broach the subject is by far the most common use today.
Brooch vs Broach: What Is the Difference?
The difference is the part of speech and the meaning. A brooch is a noun for a piece of jewelry, while broach is mainly a verb for raising a topic or opening something.
- Brooch: a thing you can wear, hold or lose.
- Broach: an action you do, usually with words.
- Spelling clue: brooch has double o; broach has oa.
If you can put “a” or “the” in front of the word and it names an object you could pin on a coat, you want brooch. If the word describes raising a topic, you want broach.
How do you pronounce brooch and broach?
Broach is pronounced to rhyme with coach and poach. Brooch is usually pronounced the same way, though many dictionaries also list a second pronunciation that rhymes with pooch.
Because the two words so often sound alike, you cannot rely on your ear when writing. Choose the spelling by meaning, not by sound.
Is it “broach the subject” or “brooch the subject”?
It is broach the subject. Because it is a verb meaning to bring up a topic, only broach works. A brooch is a pin and cannot be used as a verb in this way.
The same goes for related phrases: broach the topic, broach the question and broach the idea.
What are the most common mistakes?
- ✗ She wore a vintage broach on her lapel.
✓ She wore a vintage brooch on her lapel. - ✗ I need to brooch the subject of salary with my manager.
✓ I need to broach the subject of salary with my manager. - ✗ The jeweler displayed several antique broaches.
✓ The jeweler displayed several antique brooches. - ✗ She was nervous about brooching the topic.
✓ She was nervous about broaching the topic. - ✗ They brooched the cask of wine at the party.
✓ They broached the cask of wine at the party.
How can you remember which one to use?
Three simple tricks keep the words straight.
- Two round beads. The double o in brooch looks like two round beads or two gems on a piece of jewelry.
- Approach and broach. Broach ends in -oach, like approach, and both are about coming near a subject.
- The pin test. If you could pin it on a coat, it is a brooch; if you do it with words, it is broach.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between brooch and broach?
A brooch is a decorative pin worn on clothing. To broach is a verb meaning to bring up a subject or to open something for the first time.
How do you pronounce brooch?
Most dictionaries list two pronunciations: one that rhymes with coach and one that rhymes with pooch. Broach is pronounced like coach.
Is it broach the subject or brooch the subject?
It is broach the subject. Broach is the verb for raising a topic, while a brooch is a piece of jewelry.
What is the plural of brooch?
The plural of brooch is brooches.
Can broach be a noun?
Yes. Broach can name a pointed or cutting tool, but this use is rare, and the verb meaning is far more common.
Final thoughts on brooch vs broach
To sum up brooch vs broach: a brooch is a decorative pin you wear, and to broach is to bring up a subject or open something. Remember the two beads in brooch and the -oach in approach, and your spelling will stay sharp. Share this with someone who mixes these up!