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

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

Dodger whinnied and danced around nervously under Akira, and she put a hand on his withers to calm him.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz