extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstre-mə-tē 
plural extremities
1
a
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
the island's westernmost extremity
b
: a limb of the body
especially
: a human hand or foot
2
a
: extreme danger or critical need
b
: a moment marked by imminent destruction or death
3
a
: an intense degree
the extremity of his participation—
Saturday Rev.
Saturday Rev.
b
: the utmost degree (as of emotion or pain)
4
: a drastic or desperate act or measure
driven to extremities
Examples of extremity in a Sentence
The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine.
made offers of aid to the refugees, and of asylum in extremity
Recent Examples on the Web
Between the six patients, there were gunshots to the torso, face and other extremities, Howard said.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
But the whole book is a wondrous exploration of the extremities of existence.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Then comes the characteristic feature: the breakout of a red rash, starting on the face and spreading down the neck, trunk, and extremities.
—Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
An autopsy showed that Palumbo died of blunt impact injuries to his head, neck, torso and extremities.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extremity
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
But the whole book is a wondrous exploration of the extremities of existence.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Then comes the characteristic feature: the breakout of a red rash, starting on the face and spreading down the neck, trunk, and extremities.
—Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
An autopsy showed that Palumbo died of blunt impact injuries to his head, neck, torso and extremities.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extremity
Cite this Entry
“Extremity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremity. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē
plural extremities
1
: the farthest limit, point, or part
2
: an end part of a limb of the body (as a hand or foot)
3
: an extreme degree (as of emotion or pain)
Medical Definition
extremity
noun
ex·trem·i·ty
ik-ˈstrem-ət-ē
plural extremities
1
: the farthest or most remote part, section, or point
2
: a limb of the body
especially
: a human hand or foot
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share