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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Singular
- wither
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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
See all rhymes for withers →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.
