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

It also withers behind a paywall, is manipulated by social media algorithms and hollowed out by covert corporate consolidation.

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“Something seems really great and then it withers. .... The real thing to make downtown work and feel safer is to have more people there.”

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As fine arts funding withers across sectors and Hollywood budgets shrink while studios retreat from local productions, workers are still recovering from lengthy strikes and the incipient threat of artificial intelligence.

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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.

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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.

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