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

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Aug. 17, 2025

Their results show that the grass withers due to a lack of water inside the fairy circle.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2024

Something like a leaf lies here within me; / it wavers almost not at all, / and there is no light to see it by / that it withers upon a black field.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

The resulting pack animals measured 61 inches, or 15 hands, from the ground to the withers.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2023

McCarthy shoved his way up to the horse and propped a microphone on Seabiscuit’s withers.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand