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

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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 Instead their trunks get bigger, as detailed by a sign by Orlando’s Big Tree, which measured 21 feet, 10 inches, in circumference in 1963; more recently its girth was recorded at 24 feet. — Joy Wallace Dickinson, orlandosentinel.com, "Majestic witnesses to history provide breaths of fresh air," 13 Oct. 2019 The massive bears both are both using their girth to take over the river’s best fishing spots. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "It’s Fat Bear Week!," 2 Oct. 2019 The park’s lighting poles are intrusive as well — partly because of the girth required for some to hold video cameras, but also because of the bold striping in two shades of gray. — John King, SFChronicle.com, "Park-topped Transbay transit center pays architectural dividends, past troubles aside," 26 Aug. 2019 The girth required a 4-8-8-4 wheel configuration to keep that thing rock-steady on the rails. — Tom Bentley, Popular Mechanics, "Why the Big Boy 4014 is Such a Badass Train," 13 June 2019 Waywardness is part of the legend, along with the dazzling precocity, the incomparable voice, the immense girth. — Mark Feeney, BostonGlobe.com, "O for Orson: Welles as documentary subject and maker," 13 June 2019 Although the world’s largest frogs are well known for their girth, their jumping prowess, and their ability to provide a hearty meal for us humans, their reproductive behavior has long been a mystery. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "The world’s biggest frogs build their own ponds," 8 Aug. 2019 There is a photo of the therapist, a happy smiling person of generous girth. — James Lileks, National Review, "Girth Dearth," 11 July 2019 The largest tree felled by the storm's force had more than 60 inches in girth, Winters said. — Hayat Norimine, Dallas News, "Dallas officials estimate the city's parks lost more than 600 trees in storm," 19 June 2019

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.