# Brittany

/ˈbɹɪtəni/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brittany
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. region in France

noun · CEFR B1

a large area of land in northwest France with its own culture and language.

For teachers: a cultural region and administrative province on a peninsula in northwest France.

- We spent our summer holiday exploring the rocky coast of Brittany.
- The historical province of Brittany retains a distinct cultural identity, influenced by its Celtic roots and maritime geography.

### 2. female name

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a popular girl's name, especially in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.

For teachers: a female given name derived from the French region, reaching peak popularity in late 20th-century American English.

- Brittany was the most common name in my primary school class.
- Sociological studies often cite Brittany as a prime example of a place-name becoming a dominant fashion in American naming conventions.

### 3. dog breed

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a medium-sized dog originally bred for hunting birds.

For teachers: a breed of gun dog, formerly known as the Brittany Spaniel, used primarily for pointing and retrieving.

- The hunter took his Brittany into the fields to find birds.
- The Brittany is highly regarded by sportsmen for its agility and keen sense of smell during upland bird hunting.

### 4. the British Isles

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

an old word for the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.

For teachers: an obsolete or poetic reference to the British Isles.

- The old poem spoke of the kings who ruled over Brittany.
- In certain medieval texts, the term Brittany is employed to describe the entire archipelago rather than the French peninsula.

## Examples

- We spent our summer holiday exploring the rocky coast of Brittany.
- Many people in Brittany still celebrate traditional festivals that highlight the region's unique Celtic roots and local music.
- The rugged landscape of Brittany has long inspired artists and writers, who are drawn to its dramatic cliffs, ancient stone monuments, and the persistent influence of Breton folklore.

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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.