girth

1 of 2

noun

ˈgərth 

1

: a band or strap that encircles the body of an animal to fasten something (such as a saddle) on its back

2

a

: a measure around a body

a man of more than average girth

the girth of a tree

b

: size, dimensions

girth

2 of 2

verb

girthed; girthing; girths

transitive verb

1

: encircle

2

: to bind or fasten with a band or strap

3

: to measure around the body of something

Synonyms

Noun

• circumference

Verb

• band
• begird
• belt
• engird [archaic]
• engirdle
• enwind
• gird
• girdle
• girt
• wrap

Examples of girth in a Sentence

Noun

The tree is about two meters in girth.

a person of large girth

a girth of about two meters

Verb

you'll need to make sure you girth the saddle tightly or you'll fall off the horse

his arms couldn't quite girth the stone column

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Salt of the girth Sodium is connected to health outcomes other than blood pressure, and your microbiome may be playing a role here, too. —Christopher Damman, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024

The pink design, which comes in sizes XS to XL, can fit pups up to 27 inches in girth and 16 inches in length. —Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gerth, girth "belt securing a horse's saddle, hoop around a barrel or tub," borrowed from Old Norse *gerðu-, base of gjǫrð "belt, girth," going back to Germanic *gerđō (whence also Middle Dutch darmgherde "girth," Gothic gairda "belt"), from an e-grade derivative of the root seen in *gurđjan- "to encircle with a belt" — more at gird entry 1

Verb

Middle English gerthen, girthen, derivative of gerth, girth girth entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

girth

noun

ˈgərth

1

: a band around the body of an animal to fasten something (as a saddle) upon its back

2

: a measure around a body

the girth of a tree trunk

girth verb

Medical Definition

girth

noun

ˈgərth 

: a measure around a body