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 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.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 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

She cited a Zen koan that she’s been thinking about lately: How is it when the tree withers and the leaves fall?

From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2023

Then she gave Dodger a pat on his withers to let him know she’d gotten his message.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz