First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fathom
noun fath·om \ˈfa-thəm\
: a unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.8 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water
Full Definition of FATHOM
1
: a unit of length equal to six feet (1.83 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water —sometimes used in the singular when qualified by a number <five fathom deep>
2
See fathom defined for English-language learners
See fathom defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FATHOM
Middle English fadme, from Old English fæthm outstretched arms, length of the outstretched arms; akin to Old Norse fathmr fathom, Latin patēre to be open, pandere to spread out, Greek petannynai
2fathom
verb
: to understand the reason for (something)
Full Definition of FATHOM
intransitive verb
1
: probe
2
: to take soundings
transitive verb
1
: to measure by a sounding line
2
: to penetrate and come to understand <couldn't fathom the problem>
— fath·om·able \ˈfa-thə-mə-bəl\ adjective
See fathom defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FATHOM
1607
FATHOM Defined for Kids
1fathom
noun fath·om \ˈfa-thəm\
Definition of FATHOM for Kids
: a unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.8 meters) used chiefly in measuring the depth of water
2fathom
verb
fath·omedfath·om·ing
Definition of FATHOM for Kids
1
: to understand the reason for something <I couldn't fathom how he escaped punishment.>
2
: to measure the depth of water by means of a special line
Learn More About FATHOM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: FathometerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: fathogramAll Words Near: fathom
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up fathom? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).