limb
Limb (noun) means an arm, leg, or wing — a major projecting part of a body used for movement. Example: “She broke a limb skiing last winter.”
How to use limb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn arm or leg (on a person or animal), or a large tree branch.
The idiom "out on a limb" means taking a risk by saying or doing something without support — it has nothing to do with injury.
Word forms
limbed past tense, limbs plural, Limbs plural, limbs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She broke a _____ skiing last winter.
Etymology
From Old English lim ("limb, branch"); the silent "b" was added in spelling around the late 1500s, similar to the "b" in crumb.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for limb
See all rhymes for limb →Frequently asked questions
What does “limb” mean?
The word “limb” means an arm, leg, or wing — a major projecting part of a body used for movement. In plain terms, an arm or leg (on a person or animal), or a large tree branch.
How do you pronounce “limb”?
“Limb” is pronounced lihm (/lɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “limb” in a sentence?
Here is “limb” used in a sentence: “She broke a limb skiing last winter.”
What is another word for “limb”?
Words with a similar meaning to “limb” include delimb.
What part of speech is “limb”?
Depending on how it is used, “limb” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “limb” come from?
The word “limb” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Old English. From Old English lim ("limb, branch"); the silent "b" was added in spelling around the late 1500s, similar to the "b" in crumb.
Is “limb” a common word?
“Limb” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “limb” have?
“Limb” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an arm, leg, or wing — a major projecting part of a body used for movement.
What is the difference between a "limb" and an "appendage"?
A "limb" specifically refers to an arm, leg, or wing — a major projecting body part used for movement. "Appendage" is broader and can include limbs but also smaller projecting parts like fingers or antennae.
Can "limb" refer to something other than a body part?
Yes, "limb" also refers to a large branch of a tree. The two senses share the idea of a major part projecting from a central body.
What does it mean to "limb" something as a verb?
As a verb, "limb" means to cut the limbs or branches off something, most often used in the context of trimming trees.
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