girth

[ gurth ]

noun

1. the measure around anything; circumference.
2. a band that passes underneath a horse or other animal to hold a saddle in place, especially one having a buckle at each end for fastening to straps running from under the flaps of the saddle.
3. something that encircles; a band or girdle.

verb (used with object)

1. to bind or fasten with a girth.
2. to girdle; encircle.

girth

/ ɡɜːθ /

noun

1. the distance around something; circumference
2. size or bulk

   a man of great girth

3. a band around a horse's belly to keep the saddle in position

verb

1. usually foll by up to fasten a girth on (a horse)
2. tr to encircle or surround

Other Words From

• under·girth noun
• un·girthed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of girth¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English girth, gerth, from Old Norse gerth “girdle”; akin to gird ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of girth¹

C14: from Old Norse gjörth belt; related to Gothic gairda girdle ¹; see gird ¹

Example Sentences

So it makes sense that, despite all their girth and grunting, shot putters tend to be science geeks.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet he seems to have developed this superiority as much through charisma and kindness as from sheer girth.

From Salon

This poor lone cedar of 18 ½ meters girth and over 50 meters high had all but been forgotten.

From Seattle Times

She was 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, not the usual girth for an Olympian, male or female, in a throwing event.

From Los Angeles Times

I have quite a few memories of playing around its roots and marveling at its girth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• circumference