depth

noun

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\ ˈdepth

plural depths\ ˈdepths

, ˈdep(t)s

Definition of depth

1a(1) : a deep place in a body of water fish living at great depths

(2) : a part that is far from the outside or surface the depths of the woods

(3) : abyss sense 1

b(1) : a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling) the depths of sorrow also : a reprehensibly low condition hadn't realized that standards had fallen to such depths

(2) : the middle of a time (such as a season) the depths of winter

(3) : the worst part the depths of the depression

2 mathematics

a : the perpendicular (see perpendicular entry 1 sense 1b) measurement downward from a surface the depth of a swimming pool

b : the direct linear measurement from front to back the depth of a bookshelf

3 : the quality of being deep the depth of the pass

4 : the degree of intensity depth of a color also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge) the depth of her experience

5 : the quality or state of being complete or thorough —used in the phrase in depth a study will be made in deptha subject being discussed in depth [=thoroughly, comprehensively] — compare in-depth

6 US, sports : the quality of having many good players a team that lacks depth in the outfield

beyond one's depth or out of one's depth

: beyond the limits of one's capabilities an actor who is out of his depth in serious drama

Other Words from depth Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing depth Learn More About depth

Examples of depth in a Sentence

These fish typically live at depths of 500 feet or more. Students will test the temperature of the water at different depths. The boat sank to a depth of several hundred feet. measuring the depth of the water the depth of a hole The pool has a depth of 12 feet. I began working at the factory during the depth of the Depression. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The blade should easily penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. — Joe Lindsey, Popular Mechanics, 5 May 2022 To showcase the depth of the data, Roku provided Variety with a look at how an Academy Award nomination or victory can influence audiences. — Chris Morris, Variety, 4 May 2022 Once upon a time that was me, not understanding or even believing the depth of the mental health crisis digging into our country. — Gregg Doyel, The Indianapolis Star, 4 May 2022 Get her a bouquet of her favorite flowers and include a note from some of culture's greats who honored the depth and grace of motherhood. — Leah Hall, Country Living, 4 May 2022 The aircraft and the remains of the sailors were recovered from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in October from a depth of about one mile. — Andrew Dyer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2022 It had, by common consensus, been summarily dispatched at Anfield last week, its limitations exposed by the depth of Liverpool’s resources and the scope of its firepower and the sheer gravity of Jürgen Klopp’s team. — New York Times, 3 May 2022 The holiday provides an opportunity for all Americans to center Black culture and the Black experience for a day in recognition of the depth and complexity of African American history and its implications for us all. — Diego Wyatt, Good Housekeeping, 3 May 2022 Poles knew the depth of this year’s draft class matched up with massive holes across his roster. — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'depth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near depth

Deptford pink

depth

depth charge

Statistics for depth

Last Updated

10 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Depth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depth. Accessed 18 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for depth

depth

noun

\ ˈdepth

Kids Definition of depth

1 : measurement from top to bottom or from front to back a cupboard's depth

2 : a place far below a surface or far inside something (as a sea or a forest) Some unusual fish live at great depths.

3 : the middle of time the depth of winter

4 : intensity sense 2 a depth of color No one can imagine the … depth of our emotion …— E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan

5 : abundance, completeness The speaker displayed a depth of knowledge.

depth

noun

\ ˈdepth

plural depths\ ˈdepth

, ˈdep(t)s

Medical Definition of depth

1 : the distance between upper and lower or between dorsal and ventral points of a body

2 : the quality of a state of consciousness, a bodily state, or a physiological function of being intense or complete the depth of anesthesia the depth of respiration