girth
/ɡɜːθ/ (bre, ipa) · /ɡɜːrθ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgərth/ (ame, mw)
girth — noun
- girthsingular
- girthsplural
1. the measurement of the distance around the widest part of a rounded object or a
the measurement of the distance around the widest part of a rounded object or a person's or animal's body.
The old oak tree in the park has a girth of over three metres.
has a girth of + measurement
Taro checked the parcel's girth to see if it would fit through the mail slot.
Amara laughed when the tailor said her girth had grown since last winter.
The fisherman showed the fish's huge girth by spreading his hands apart.
A large girth around the middle can increase the risk of certain health problems.
- circumference
more precise in mathematical contexts, especially for perfect circles
- width
measures only one side of an object, not the whole distance around
用法筆記
Often used about a person's waist measurement, a tree trunk, or a cylindrical object. More specific than 'width', which only measures one flat side.
常見錯誤
2. a strong band fastened around the belly of a horse or other riding animal to hol
a strong band fastened around the belly of a horse or other riding animal to hold a saddle or a load in place.
Diego tightened the girth before helping his younger sister onto the horse.
tighten the girth
The worn leather girth rubbed against the horse's belly during the long ride.
Kofi checked the girth twice to make sure the saddle would not slip sideways.
A loose girth is dangerous because the saddle may slip and the rider could fall.
- cinch
more common in American English for the same piece of equipment
用法筆記
Equestrian equipment term. In everyday speech, horse owners typically say 'girth' rather than 'belt' or 'strap' for this specific part.
常見錯誤
girth — verb
- girthpresent simple I / you / we / they
- girths3rd person singular
- girthing-ing form
- girthedpast simple
1. to form a circle around something, completely surrounding it on all sides.
to form a circle around something, completely surrounding it on all sides.
A thick stone wall girthed the ancient castle on all four sides.
inanimate subject (stone wall) + girthed object
The wide leather belt girthed Nadia's waist and held her dress in place.
Tall pine trees girth the small wooden cabin from every direction.
A strong metal band girthed the barrel to stop the wooden planks from coming apart.
文法句型
girth + object (something/someone)
be girthed by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Mostly used in formal or literary writing. In everyday English, 'surround' or 'encircle' is far more common.
常見錯誤
2. to tie or fasten something tightly around the middle of an animal or object usin
to tie or fasten something tightly around the middle of an animal or object using a band or strap.
Arjun girthed the saddle carefully before leading the pony out of the stable.
girth + saddle (equestrian object)
The rider girthed the pack tightly to balance the load on the mule.
Deepa girthed the canvas tent cover over the camping gear with a strong nylon cord.
Before the race every jockey girths the saddle one last time for safety.
- cinch
more common in American English, especially for saddle fastening
文法句型
girth + object + around/to + noun phrase
girth + object + with + strap/band
用法筆記
Associated mainly with securing riding saddles or loads on pack animals. Rarely used for general fastening.
常見錯誤
3. to measure the distance around the outside of a person's or animal's body, or ar
to measure the distance around the outside of a person's or animal's body, or around a tree trunk or other rounded object.
The vet girthed the pregnant mare to estimate how far along the pregnancy was.
girth + animal (veterinary context)
Omar girthed the tree trunk with string and marked the length on his ruler.
The tailor girthed each customer with a tape before cutting the coat fabric.
Erika girthed her dog's chest to find the right size for the new harness.
- measure around
plainer, everyday alternative; less formal
文法句型
girth + object (tree, animal, person)
用法筆記
A technical or specialized sense. In everyday English, 'measure the girth of' (noun construction) is more common.