withers

plural noun

with·​ers ˈwi-t͟hərz 

1

: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse see horse illustration

2

: a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped (such as a dog) other than a horse

Examples of withers in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Horses are measured from the ground to their withers, or shoulders. — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2022

The horse sustained burns on her neck and withers, Ewing said. — BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2021

Like other Przewalski’s horses, Kurt will grow to weigh between 440 and 750 pounds and will stand somewhere between 4 and 5 feet tall from hooves to withers. — Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, 26 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete English wither- against, from Middle English, from Old English, from wither against; from the withers being the parts which resist the pull in drawing a load — more at with

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing withers

• fistulous withers

Kids Definition

withers

plural noun

with·​ers ˈwit͟h-ərz 

: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse

also : a corresponding part in other four-footed animals (as dogs)

Medical Definition

withers

noun plural

with·​ers ˈwit͟h-ərz 

1

: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse

2

: a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped other than a horse