worth

noun

\ ˈwərth

Definition of worth

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : monetary value farmhouse and lands of little worth

b : the equivalent of a specified amount or figure a dollar's worth of gas

2 : the value of something measured by its qualities or by the esteem in which it is held a literary heritage of great worth

3a : moral or personal value trying to teach human worth

b : merit, excellence a field in which we have proved our worth

4 : wealth, riches

worth

preposition

Definition of worth (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : equal in value to

b : having assets or income equal to

2 : deserving of well worth the effort

worth one's salt

: of substantial or significant value or merit

worth

adjective

Definition of worth (Entry 3 of 4)

1 archaic : having monetary or material value

2 archaic : estimable

for all one is worth

: to the fullest extent of one's value or ability

worth

verb

worthed; worthing; worths

Definition of worth (Entry 4 of 4)

intransitive verb

archaic

: become —usually used in the phrase woe worth

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about worth

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Synonyms for worth

Synonyms: Noun

account, merit, valuation, value

Examples of worth in a Sentence

Noun

A diamond's worth is determined partly by its cut and clarity. The worth of the stocks has increased. The furniture was of little worth since it was in such bad condition. He has proved his worth to the team. The book has proved its worth by saving me hundreds of dollars.

Preposition

an actor worth several million dollars The corporation is worth billions of dollars. A carefully written cover letter and resume is worth the effort. It takes a long time to get a table at the restaurant, but the food is well worth the wait. The movie was good, but I didn't think it was worth all the fuss. Chicago is worth a visit. I think you'll really like it. Do you think the car is worth buying? It is worth noting that his father and mother are also doctors. This book is not worth reading. an idea well worth consideration

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Take Tilda Swinton’s futuristic chainmail and crystal Haider Ackermann, a stunning continuation of a decade’s worth of collaboration between designer and muse. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Brie Larson, Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, and More of the Week’s Best Dressed Stars," 20 May 2019 In the 16-minute-long YouTube video, the beauty mogul reveals that a Jeffree Star Cosmetics warehouse was broken into and millions of dollars worth of makeup was stolen. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "Everything We Know About the Jeffree Star Cosmetics Break-In and Theft," 2 Apr. 2019 But the old social network’s accidental purge of 12 years’ worth of its users’ music uploads — that’s an estimated 50 million songs — was probably a close second. — Hamza Shaban, The Seattle Times, "Loss of old Myspace artifacts highlights the impermanence of the web," 24 Mar. 2019 President Trump's duties on Canadian steel and aluminum, announced in May, were met with in-kind tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American goods. — Dennis Romero /, NBC News, "Canada probes U.S. Border Patrol's maritime patrols," 5 July 2018 Only Ina and her accountant know her net worth for sure, but various sites have estimated that Ina is pulling in big bucks. — Megan Friedman, Country Living, "Ina Garten's Net Worth Is Seriously Impressive," 18 Apr. 2019 That includes placing tariffs on more than $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the past year, which makes Chinese products more expensive — and therefore less appealing — to American consumers and businesses. — Alexia Fernández Campbell, Vox, "Trump’s trade war on Christmas," 29 Nov. 2018 Three to seven days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food, and several gallons of water. — Woman's Day Staff, Woman's Day, "This Abandoned Shelter Dog Rescued the Missing Son of Her Former Trainer," 20 Nov. 2018 That's more than $250 million dollars' worth of business, not counting spare parts. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Open mind, wide open throttle: We go to our first NASCAR race," 15 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

Plus, the sweet scent alone is enough to make this face mask worth a try. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Good Housekeeping, "This $15 Overnight Face Mask Is Saving My Dry Skin This Winter," 15 Feb. 2019 Each member is worth a real fortune, and millions upon millions of British pounds are passed down through each generation from inheritance. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Why Prince Harry Inherited More Money Than Prince William When Their Great-Grandmother Died," 9 Aug. 2018 Here are a few new science reads worth giving — or keeping for yourself. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Annual Science Reads for the Holidays," 24 Nov. 2018 Still, the Lone Star state is worth a mention here because of Texas’s size and growing population. — Andrew Prokop, Vox, "7 key governor races that could let Democrats roll back gerrymandering," 5 Nov. 2018 Shop the 35 best fall coats here at every price point, from a timeless (wallet-friendly!) trench to several stylish faux furs worth the splurge. — Anny Choi, Vogue, "Shop Fall’s Best Coats at Every Price Point," 25 Sep. 2018 MOSCOW — England saw its best chance of ending several generations’ worth of World Cup pain slip away on Wednesday night, as Croatia fought back for a 2-1 win in extra time, securing a spot against France in Sunday’s final. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Croatia tops England in extra time to reach World Cup final," 11 July 2018 The Gunner star recently signed a contract extension worth a reported £350,000 a week through the summer of 2021. — SI.com, "Mesut Özil's Father Encourages Him to Retire From International Duty for Germany," 8 July 2018 Bradley to stay in LA Former Celtics guard Avery Bradley agreed to a two-year contract worth a reported $25 million with the Clippers . . — BostonGlobe.com, "Terrell Owens off to Chattanooga for induction speech," 4 July 2018

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

First Known Use of worth

Noun

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

Preposition

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

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

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for worth

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English weorth worthy, of (a specified) value; akin to Old High German werd worthy, worth

Verb

Middle English, from Old English weorthan; akin to Old High German werdan to become, Latin vertere to turn, Lithuanian versti to overturn, Sanskrit vartate he turns

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