depth

noun

\ 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 a study will be made 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 Learn More about depth

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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.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the relative depth of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft compared to next year’s was not as important to the 6-foot-6 Herbert. — oregonlive.com, "Peyton Manning ‘proud’ Justin Herbert chose to return to Oregon Ducks," 28 June 2019 The earthquake, which hit at a depth of about 208 kilometers (129 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey, was felt by residents in the Australian city of Darwin. — Joshua Berlinger, CNN, "Tremors felt in Australia after 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia's Banda Sea," 23 June 2019 The depth of their talent is undeniable, but talent alone doesn’t guarantee victory. — Helene Elliott, latimes.com, "Ali Krieger helps U.S. defense hold its own at Women’s World Cup," 22 June 2019 In another world where depth is a concern, one Michigan found itself in repeatedly prior to the start of last season, Jones might've been asked to fight for reps immediately in college. — Nicholas Baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football: OL Trente Jones could be versatile, starter one day," 20 June 2019 But what set Franklin apart is the depth of her connection to gospel. — Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, "Aretha: Her story was in her songs," 19 June 2019 The coast guard says the 12 bodies have been found inside the wreck of the boat at a depth of 32 meters (105 feet). — Fox News, "The Latest: Spain saves 292 migrants crossing Mediterranean," 18 June 2019 All of this — the depth, the player rotation, the trust — is important because Ellis knows what can happen over the course of a long tournament. — Andrew Keh, New York Times, "New Faces, Same Result: U.S. Rolls Again at World Cup," 16 June 2019 The water depth at that portion of the river was at 5 1/2 feet Saturday during the rescue, about 4 1/2 feet below the flood stage, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland. — Benjamin Peters, cleveland.com, "Raging Cuyahoga River prompts rescue effort of stranded inner-tubers, kayaker," 10 June 2019

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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More Definitions for depth

depth

noun

English Language Learners Definition of depth

: a distance below a surface

: the distance from the front of something to the back

: an area that exists far below a surface or far inside something : a deep place or area

See the full definition for depth in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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