girth

American  

[gurth] / gɜrθ /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bind or fasten with a girth.

2. to girdle; encircle.

girth British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (usually foll by up) to fasten a girth on (a horse)

2. (tr) to encircle or surround

Other Word Forms

• undergirth noun
• ungirthed adjective

Etymology

Origin of girth

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

Example Sentences

Here, rampaging around in heavy pelts that double their girth, they’re clearly having a blast.

From Los Angeles Times

But he makes up for in vehemence what he lacks in girth.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• circumference