Showing results for "withers"

• present tense form of wither (3rd person singular).

withers

American  

[with-erz] / ˈwɪð ərz /

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.

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idioms

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

   The long involved lawsuit is wringing his withers.

withers British  

/ ˈwɪðəz /

plural noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of withers

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Explanation

Horse breeders and riders measure horses at the withers, or the shoulder blades, since it's a stable point that doesn't move, unlike the horse's head and neck. Horsey folks will know this word as denoting the high point on a horse's back, where the shoulder bones meet, and you can use it for that part of a dog's body as well. It's an old word in English, and it maintains a dignified silence about its true origins — and why, like scissors and pants, it's a plural denoting a single thing.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

withers

For all of us, the self changes and, yes, it withers away.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

Hugo, who lives in Towcester, Northamptonshire, has already reached an "abnormal" 199cm tall, about 6.5ft, or 19.2 hands, to the withers or ridge at the base of the neck.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

The horses are characterised by their "large size, long legs, well-developed musculature, slender and elegant head -- set on a long, straight neck -- expressive eyes, high withers and sturdy hooves," he added.

From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026

As Andy blooms, Nate withers and their other friends are no better.

From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2025

Though a little lower at the withers and nearly half a foot shorter, nose to tail, Seabiscuit seemed a cumbersome giant in comparison.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand