# girth

/ˈɡɝθ/ (US) · /ɡˈɜːθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/girth
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. waistline

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

the distance around a person's waist, usually when they are large.

For teachers: the circumference of a person's waist, often used to imply a large or stout physical build.

- He had gained a bit of girth over the holidays and his trousers felt tight.
- The retired athlete's increasing girth was a testament to his new, sedentary lifestyle and love of rich desserts.

### 3. saddle strap

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a strong band that goes under a horse's belly to keep the saddle in place.

For teachers: a band passed under the belly of a horse or other animal to secure a saddle or pack.

- Make sure the girth is tight enough so the saddle doesn't slip while you ride.
- Before mounting, the equestrian checked the leather girth for signs of wear that might compromise the safety of the harness.

### 4. to encircle

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to wrap around something or to surround it tightly.

For teachers: to bind or encircle something as if with a band or strap.

- A stone wall girths the entire estate to keep out intruders.
- The knight was girthed with a heavy belt of iron links, signifying his rank and readiness for the coming battle.

## Examples

- The tree has a very large girth.
- The tailor measured the girth of the customer's waist to ensure the suit would fit perfectly.
- The ancient oak, with a girth of over ten feet, stood as a silent witness to the history of the village, its roots deeply embedded in the valley floor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.