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

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete English wither- against, from Middle English, from Old English, from wither against; from the withers being the parts which resist the pull in drawing a load — more at with

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing withers

• fistulous withers

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