girth — the measurement around the middle of something, especially a person's waist or an animal's body
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the measurement around the middle of something, especially a person's waist or an animal's body
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡɜːrθ/
Example Sentences
- The ancient oak tree had such an enormous girth that five people couldn't hold hands around it.
- After the holidays, Santa checked his girth and realized he needed a bigger belt!
- The rider carefully adjusted the girth before the horse race.
girth
NOUN[/ɡɜːrθ/]
the measurement around the middle of something, especially a person's waist or an animal's body
The lumberjack measured the massive girth of the ancient redwood tree.
Great girth rooted in earth shows nature's true worth!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Girth derives from Old Norse 'gerth', meaning 'enclosure' or 'that which encloses'. The word developed alongside equestrian culture, originally referring to a belt or band that encircles something, particularly the strap fastened around a horse's body to secure a saddle.
Breakdown
Old Norse gerth (belt, enclosure) → Middle English girth → Modern English girth. The root gerth carries the sense of surrounding or encompassing, which persists in the word's modern meaning of circumference or the band used to gird a horse.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The ancient oak tree had such an enormous girth that five people couldn't hold hands around it.”
“After the holidays, Santa checked his girth and realized he needed a bigger belt!”
“The rider carefully adjusted the girth before the horse race.”
“My cat's girth has definitely increased since I started working from home and feeding him more treats.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.