# width

/ˈwɪdθ/ (US) · /wˈɪdθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/width
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. measurement from side to side

noun · CEFR B1

the distance from one side of an object to the other.

For teachers: the measurement of the extent of something from side to side; the physical dimension of breadth.

- The width of the table is exactly one metre.
- The architect carefully measured the width of the hallway to ensure it would accommodate wheelchair access according to local building regulations.

Usage: Often used with 'of' to describe a specific object.

### 2. a single trip across a pool

noun · CEFR B2

the distance across a swimming pool from one side to the other.

For teachers: the distance across a swimming pool as a unit of exercise, distinct from a length.

- The children had to swim two widths of the pool to get their first badge.
- After completing his warm-up laps, he practiced several widths of the pool using only his legs to build strength.

Usage: Commonly used in the context of swimming lessons or casual exercise.

### 3. using the full pitch

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

using the whole space from one side of the field to the other in sports like football.

For teachers: the tactical use of the full lateral extent of the playing area to stretch the opposing team's defence.

- The team played with a lot of width to get around the defenders.
- The manager instructed the wingers to stay near the touchline, providing the width necessary to pull the compact defensive block apart.

Usage: Usually appears in sports commentary or tactical analysis.

### 4. fabric measurement

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a piece of cloth measured from one finished edge to the other.

For teachers: a standard unit of fabric as measured across its smaller dimension from selvage to selvage.

- You will need three widths of this fabric to make the curtains for the large window.
- The dressmaker calculated that the pattern would require two full widths of silk, accounting for the intricate pleating required at the waist.

Usage: Often used when calculating how much material is needed for curtains or upholstery.

## Examples

- The width of the swimming pool is twenty meters.
- The referee checked the width of the goalposts to ensure they met the official league regulations.
- In competitive swimming, the width of each lane is strictly defined to prevent turbulence from one athlete's stroke from unfairly impeding the progress of another in the adjacent lane.

---

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.