width
n.-
1 measurement from side to side (n.) B1 Intermediatethe distance from one side of an object to the other.
the measurement of the extent of something from side to side; the physical dimension of breadth.
ExampleThe width of the table is exactly one metre.
ExampleThe architect carefully measured the width of the hallway to ensure it would accommodate wheelchair access according to local building regulations.
UsageOften used with 'of' to describe a specific object.
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2 a single trip across a pool (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Sportthe distance across a swimming pool from one side to the other.
the distance across a swimming pool as a unit of exercise, distinct from a length.
ExampleThe children had to swim two widths of the pool to get their first badge.
ExampleAfter completing his warm-up laps, he practiced several widths of the pool using only his legs to build strength.
UsageCommonly used in the context of swimming lessons or casual exercise.
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3 using the full pitch (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sportusing the whole space from one side of the field to the other in sports like football.
the tactical use of the full lateral extent of the playing area to stretch the opposing team's defence.
ExampleThe team played with a lot of width to get around the defenders.
ExampleThe manager instructed the wingers to stay near the touchline, providing the width necessary to pull the compact defensive block apart.
UsageUsually appears in sports commentary or tactical analysis.
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4 fabric measurement (n.) C1 Advanced Technicala piece of cloth measured from one finished edge to the other.
a standard unit of fabric as measured across its smaller dimension from selvage to selvage.
ExampleYou will need three widths of this fabric to make the curtains for the large window.
ExampleThe dressmaker calculated that the pattern would require two full widths of silk, accounting for the intricate pleating required at the waist.
UsageOften used when calculating how much material is needed for curtains or upholstery.
PIE word *dwóh₁ From wide + -th (abstract nominal suffix), possibly by analogy with Old Norse vídd (“width”), though this is unlikely, as the word is not attested before the end of the 16th century and was historically unknown in Scots and the traditional dialect of Northern England, where one would expect Old Norse influence to be the strongest (these varieties traditionally employed wideness instead). Replaced Middle English wide, wyde (“width”).