noun

withers

WIHTH-uhz

Withers (noun) means the ridge between a four-legged animal's shoulder blades, usually the tallest part of its back and used to measure its height. Example: “The horse measured fifteen hands at the withers.”

noun

The ridge between a four-legged animal's shoulder blades, usually the tallest part of its back and used to measure its height.

"The horse measured fifteen hands at the withers."

How to use withers

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe high point of an animal's (usually a horse's) back, between the shoulders.

Common pairings

measure at the withers the horse's withers

Word forms

wither singular

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The horse measured fifteen hands at the _____.

Etymology

From an old dialect word wither meaning "against," since this part of a horse pushes against the weight of a harness or load.

Rhymes for withers

Smithers

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Frequently asked questions

What does “withers” mean?

The word “withers” means the ridge between a four-legged animal's shoulder blades, usually the tallest part of its back and used to measure its height. In plain terms, the high point of an animal's (usually a horse's) back, between the shoulders.

How do you pronounce “withers”?

“Withers” is pronounced WIHTH-uhz (/ˈwɪð.ɚz/ in IPA).

How do you use “withers” in a sentence?

Here is “withers” used in a sentence: “The horse measured fifteen hands at the withers.”

What part of speech is “withers”?

“Withers” is a noun.