girth

noun

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\ ˈgərth

Definition of girth

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

2a : a measure around a body a man of more than average girth the girth of a tree

b : size, dimensions

girth

verb

girthed; girthing; girths

Definition of girth (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : encircle

2 : to bind or fasten with a band or strap

3 : to measure around the body of something

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About girth

Synonyms & Antonyms for girth

Synonyms: Noun

circumference

Synonyms: Verb

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

Antonyms: Verb

ungird,
unwrap

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 In the apocalyptic drama-comedy, clocking in at 2 hours 18 minutes, two university astronomers discover that a comet is speeding toward Earth with enough girth to destroy the planet. — Tiffini Theisen, orlandosentinel.com, 5 Jan. 2022 The angler reeled in an eight-pound, 10-ounce salmon that measured 26 inches long and had a girth of 16.25 inches. — Michael Hollan, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2021 Essentially, this is a non-surgical, injectable filler that increases the width and girth of the penile shaft. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 20 Dec. 2021 The angler reeled in an eight-pound, 10-ounce salmon that measured 26 inches long and had a girth of 16.25 inches. — Michael Hollan, Fox News, 7 Dec. 2021 The angler reeled in an eight-pound, 10-ounce salmon that measured 26 inches long and had a girth of 16.25 inches. — Michael Hollan, Fox News, 29 Oct. 2021 Carry too much speed into a sharp corner and the girth of this relatively tall, heavy crossover is evident, but its overall balance is pleasantly neutral and provides impressive agility and body control. — Mike Sutton, Car and Driver, 11 Oct. 2021 For The Win Researchers were astonished recently, while reviewing footage, to spot a male great white shark with such extraordinary girth. — Pete Thomas, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2021 Every fall, the bears that live on this volcanic peninsula face off in a competition of grit and girth. — Angela Owens, WSJ, 23 Sep. 2021

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

History and Etymology for girth

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