First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
depth
noun \ˈdepth\
plural depths \ˈdepths, ˈdep(t)s\
Definition of DEPTH
1
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
2
a : the perpendicular measurement downward from a surface b : the direct linear measurement from front to back
3
: the quality of being deep
4
: the degree of intensity <depth of a color>; also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge)
5
: the quality or state of being complete or thorough <a study will be made in depth>
6
: 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
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DEPTH
Middle English, from dep deep
OUT OF ONE'S DEPTH Defined for Kids
depth
noun \ˈdepth\
Definition of DEPTH for Kids
1
: measurement from top to bottom or from front to back <a cupboard's depth>
2
: a place far below a surface or far inside something (as a sea or a forest) <Some unusual fish live at great depths.>
3
: the middle of time <the depth of winter>
4
: intensity 2 <a depth of color> <No one can imagine the … depth of our emotion … — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan>
5
: abundance, completeness <The speaker displayed a depth of knowledge.>
Medical Dictionary
depth
noun \ˈdepth\
plural depths \ˈdepth, ˈdep(t)s\
Medical Definition of DEPTH
1
: the distance between upper and lower or between dorsal and ventral points of a body
2
: 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>
Learn More About DEPTH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: depth chargePrevious Word in the Dictionary: Deptford pinkAll Words Near: depth
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up depth? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).