thickness
THIHK-nuhs
Thickness (noun) means the distance between two opposite surfaces of something; how thick it is. Example: “Measure the thickness of the plank before you cut it.”
noun
1
The distance between two opposite surfaces of something; how thick it is.
"Measure the thickness of the plank before you cut it."
"The glass comes in three different thicknesses."
"The thickness of the ice was checked before anyone walked on the lake."
2
A single layer of material.
"Fold the fabric so you have two thicknesses."
"The sandwich had two thicknesses of bread and a layer of cheese between them."
"Wrap the pipe in several thicknesses of cloth to keep it warm."
How to use thickness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow thick something is, or a single layer of it.
Common pairings
wall thickness
a single thickness
measure the thickness
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Word forms
- Plural
- thicknesses
- Third person singular
- thicknesses
- Past tense
- thicknessed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Measure the _____ of the plank before you cut it.
Etymology
From Old English þicnes, formed from thick + the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for thickness
See all rhymes for thickness →Frequently asked questions
What does “thickness” mean?
The word “thickness” means the distance between two opposite surfaces of something; how thick it is. In plain terms, how thick something is, or a single layer of it.
How do you pronounce “thickness”?
“Thickness” is pronounced THIHK-nuhs (/ˈθɪknəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “thickness” in a sentence?
Here is “thickness” used in a sentence: “Measure the thickness of the plank before you cut it.”
What is another word for “thickness”?
Words with a similar meaning to “thickness” include denseness, slowness, stupidity and thickheadedness.
What is the opposite of “thickness”?
The opposite of “thickness” — its antonyms — are fluidity, liquidity, runniness, thinness and mental acuity.
What part of speech is “thickness”?
“Thickness” is a noun.
Where does the word “thickness” come from?
The word “thickness” comes from Old English. From Old English þicnes, formed from thick + the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Is “thickness” a common word?
“Thickness” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between thickness and width?
Thickness refers to the distance between two opposite surfaces of an object, describing how deep or dense it is through its smallest dimension, such as the thickness of a book or a slice of bread. Width refers to a side-to-side measurement, so the two describe different dimensions of the same object.
What is the difference between thickness and depth?
Thickness and depth can overlap, but thickness typically describes the measurement through a flat or layered object, like a wall or a coat of paint, while depth more often describes how far down something extends, such as the depth of water. The choice of word usually depends on the shape and orientation of the object being measured.
How is thickness typically measured?
Thickness is usually measured with tools such as calipers, rulers, or micrometers, depending on how precise the measurement needs to be. For layered materials, thickness can also refer to the depth of a single layer, such as a coat of paint or a slice of material.
