depth

noun \ˈdepth\

plural depths \ˈdepths, ˈdep(t)s\

Definition of DEPTH

a (1) : a deep place in a body of water <fish living at great depths> (2) : a part that is far from the outside or surface <the depths of the woods> (3) : abyss 2

b (1) : a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling) <the depths of misery>; also : a reprehensibly low condition <hadn't realized that standards had fallen to such depths> (2) : the middle of a time (as winter) (3) : the worst part

a : the perpendicular measurement downward from a surface

b : the direct linear measurement from front to back

: the quality of being deep

: the degree of intensity <depth of a color>; also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge)

: the quality or state of being complete or thorough <a study will be made in depth>

: a large number of good players <a team that lacks depth>

— depth·less \ˈdepth-ləs\ adjective

— beyond one's depth or out of one's depth

: beyond the limits of one's capabilities <an actor who is out of his depth in serious drama>

See depth defined for English-language learners

See depth defined for kids

Origin of DEPTH

Middle English, from dep deep

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DEPTH

Synonyms: deepness, drop

Antonyms: acme, apex, climax, crown, culmination, head, height, high-water mark, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith

DEPTH Defined for Kids

depth

noun \ˈdepth\

Definition of DEPTH for Kids

: measurement from top to bottom or from front to back <a cupboard's depth>

: a place far below a surface or far inside something (as a sea or a forest) <Some unusual fish live at great depths.>

: the middle of time <the depth of winter>

: intensity 2 <a depth of color> <No one can imagine the … depth of our emotion … — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan>

: abundance, completeness <The speaker displayed a depth of knowledge.>

Medical Dictionary

depth

noun \ˈdepth\

plural depths \ˈdepth, ˈdep(t)s\

Medical Definition of DEPTH

: the distance between upper and lower or between dorsal and ventral points of a body

: the quality of a state of consciousness, a bodily state, or a physiological function of being intense or complete <the depth of anesthesia> <the depth of respiration>