thigh

noun

ˈthī How to pronounce thigh (audio)
Synonyms of thighnext
1
a
: the proximal segment of the vertebrate hind or lower limb extending from the hip to the knee
b
: the segment of the leg immediately distal to the thigh in a bird or in a quadruped in which the true thigh is obscured
c
: the femur of an insect
2
: something resembling or covering a thigh
thighed
ˈthīd How to pronounce thigh (audio)
adjective

Examples of thigh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The boy, who was not identified, received multiple bite wounds to his right thigh, right arm, left leg, face and head. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 30 July 2026 With a plunging halter neckline and thigh-high slit, Palmer’s sleeveless dress merged traditional design cues with a contemporary edge. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 Both shot at the victim, hitting him in the thigh, according to the affidavit. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026 They’re cut high on the waist for that ‘90s look, and the subtle fading on the thigh and seat adds to the throwback vibe. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thigh

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thēoh; akin to Old High German dioh thigh, Lithuanian taukai, plural, fat

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thigh was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing thigh

Rhymes for thigh

See All Rhymes for thigh

Browse Nearby Words

thigger
thigh
thigh bone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thigh. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thigh

noun
ˈthī How to pronounce thigh (audio)
: the part of the leg that extends from the hip to the knee

Medical Definition

thigh

noun
ˈthī How to pronounce thigh (audio)
1
: the proximal segment of the vertebrate hind or lower limb extending from the hip to the knee and supported by a single large bone compare femur sense 1
2
: the segment of the leg immediately distal to the thigh in a bird or in a quadruped in which the true thigh is obscured
3
: the femur of an insect

More from Merriam-Webster on thigh

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thigh

Nglish: Translation of thigh for Spanish Speakers

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