withers

[ with-erz ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. the highest part of the back at the base of the neck of a horse, cow, sheep, etc.

withers

/ ˈwɪðəz /

plural noun

1. the highest part of the back of a horse, behind the neck between the shoulders

Word History and Origins

Origin of withers¹

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of withers¹

C16: short for widersones, from wider with + -sones, perhaps variant of sinew ; related to German Widerrist, Old English withre resistance

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. wring one's withers, to cause one anxiety or trouble:

   The long involved lawsuit is wringing his withers.

Example Sentences

As President Biden’s support among Arab and Muslim Americans withers over his backing of Israel in the war in Gaza, former President Donald J. Trump is making a long-shot push to take advantage.

From New York Times

Eight times he has come to Baltimore with a horse fast enough to leave with the blanket of black-eyed Susans that are draped over the withers of the Preakness Stakes winner.

From New York Times

In the process of transmuting the mid-rib of the leaf, the plant undergoes a proliferation of new vascular tissue — and avoids rotting while the rest of the leaf withers away.

From New York Times

Ninagawa’s work has explored the cruelty and evil that lurk behind beauty, the way light and darkness are inseparable, and how a flower withers yet later can sprout new buds.

From Seattle Times

Something like a leaf lies here within me; / it wavers almost not at all, / and there is no light to see it by / that it withers upon a black field.

From Seattle Times