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withers
plural noun
with·ers
ˈwi-t͟hərz
1
: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse see horse illustration
2
: a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped (such as a dog) other than a horse
Examples of withers in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Horses are measured from the ground to their withers, or shoulders.
—
Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2022
The horse sustained burns on her neck and withers, Ewing said.
—
BostonGlobe.com, 22 Aug. 2021
Dolly is just 27 pounds, and maybe 18 inches at the withers.
—
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 1 Mar. 2021
Like other Przewalski’s horses, Kurt will grow to weigh between 440 and 750 pounds and will stand somewhere between 4 and 5 feet tall from hooves to withers.
—
Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, 26 Oct. 2020
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Word History
Phrases Containing withers
Dictionary Entries Near withers
Cite this Entry
“Withers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withers. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
withers
plural noun
with·ers
ˈwit͟h-ərz
: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse
also
: a corresponding part in other four-footed animals (as dogs)
Medical Definition
withers
noun plural
with·ers
ˈwit͟h-ərz
1
: the ridge between the shoulder bones of a horse
2
: a part corresponding to the withers in a quadruped other than a horse
More from Merriam-Webster on withers
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for withers
Nglish: Translation of withers for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of withers for Arabic Speakers
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