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noun

girth

gurth

Girth (noun) means the measurement around something; its circumference. Example: “The old oak tree has a girth of nearly four metres.”

noun
1
The measurement around something; its circumference.
"The old oak tree has a girth of nearly four metres."
"He's put on some girth around the middle since retiring."
2
A strap that goes under a horse's belly to hold a saddle in place.
"She tightened the girth before mounting."

How to use girth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe distance around something, or the saddle strap that goes under a horse.

Common pairings
increasing girth tighten the girth considerable girth

Word forms

girthed past tense, girths plural, girths singular

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Test yourself on “girth” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old oak tree has a _____ of nearly four metres.

Etymology

From Old Norse gjörð, related to the Germanic root behind "gird" (to bind or encircle).

Origin: Old Norse

Related words

Rhymes for girth

See all rhymes for girth →

Frequently asked questions

What does “girth” mean?

The word “girth” means the measurement around something; its circumference. In plain terms, the distance around something, or the saddle strap that goes under a horse.

How do you pronounce “girth”?

“Girth” is pronounced gurth (/ɡɝθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “girth” in a sentence?

Here is “girth” used in a sentence: “The old oak tree has a girth of nearly four metres.”

What is another word for “girth”?

Words with a similar meaning to “girth” include circumference and cinch.

What part of speech is “girth”?

“Girth” is a noun.

Where does the word “girth” come from?

The word “girth” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse gjörð, related to the Germanic root behind "gird" (to bind or encircle).

How many meanings does “girth” have?

“Girth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the measurement around something; its circumference.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial