girth

1 of 2

noun

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

girth

2 of 2

verb

girthed; girthing; girths

transitive verb

1
2
: to bind or fasten with a band or strap
3
: to measure around the body of something

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
On top of that, the U.S. has the highest rate of maternal mortality—death during pregnancy or up to a year after giving girth—among wealthy nations. Anna Halkidis, Parents, 18 Sep. 2024 This serves as a reminder to today's leaders that success isn't always dependent on financial gain, team size, or corporate budget girth. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 Aldo leaned into the equine concept, and under his direction, top-stitching reminiscent of that on saddles adorned handbags; and green and red stripes seen on girth straps became a signature Gucci element, as did the Gucci horsebit. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2024 Sasser’s gator also missed the state girth record by just half an inch. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for girth 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'girth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of girth was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near girth

Cite this Entry

“Girth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/girth. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

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
: a measure around a body

More from Merriam-Webster on girth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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