# abreast

/əˈbɹɛst/ (US) · /ɐbɹˈɛst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abreast
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

next to someone or something else, especially when you are moving at the same speed. It is often used when talking about ships or people walking together.

For teachers: situated next to or alongside another person or object, typically at the same level or speed. Often used in nautical contexts to describe the relative position of vessels.

## Examples

- The two ships sailed abreast of each other.
- The two friends walked abreast through the park, sharing a quiet conversation about their upcoming trip.
- The fleet maintained a formation where each vessel remained abreast of its neighbors, ensuring that no ship fell behind during the high-speed crossing of the strait.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.