thickness

noun

thick·​ness ˈthik-nəs 

1

: the smallest of three dimensions

length, width, and thickness

2

: the quality or state of being thick

3

a

: viscous consistency

boiled to the thickness of honey

b

: the condition of being smoky, foul, or foggy

4

: the thick part of something

5

: concentration, density

6

: stupidity, dullness

7

: layer, ply, sheet

a single thickness of canvas

Synonyms

• consistence
• consistency
• density
• viscidity
• viscosity

Examples of thickness in a Sentence

The plank measures two inches in thickness.

the length, circumference, and thickness of the log

Plywood is available in various thicknesses.

Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak.

I added flour to increase the gravy's thickness.

I was surprised by the thickness of his accent.

Recent Examples on the Web

The surgeon makes a tiny incision, usually with a small pointed scalpel, between the clear and white part of the eye to gain access to the lens capsule, a thin membrane similar in thickness to a plastic produce bag at the grocery store. —Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024

Place each piece of chicken between 2 sheets of wax paper, and pound to 1/8-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024

Extensions were used to add length and thickness to the braids. —Marci Robin, Allure, 15 Mar. 2024

This means that every 24 hours, the stone grows in length comparable to the thickness of two sheets of paper. —Ana De Oliva, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024

He gets lost in the weight and thickness of a fictional place, appreciating specific processes and objects and, most of all, characters who are not him. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2024

It is equipped with a variable trigger and speed dial, which helps control the thickness of the caulk applied to the crack. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2024

Such is the case with the Parsons table, whose defining feature is its ratio: No matter the table’s size, its legs — which stand flush with the corners of its surface — must always be equal in width to the thickness of its top. —Evan Moffitt, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

Lava flow map of the current activity near Grindavík in Iceland showing the thickness of lava measured on March 20, 2024. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thickness

noun

thick·​ness ˈthik-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being thick

2

: the smallest of three dimensions

length, width, and thickness

3

: the thick part of something

4

: layer entry 1 sense 2

a single thickness of canvas