depth

noun

ˈdepth 

plural depths ˈdepths  ˈdep(t)s 

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 sense 1

b(1)

: a profound or intense state (as of thought or feeling)

the depths of sorrow

also : a reprehensibly low condition

hadn't realized that standards had fallen to such depths

(2)

: the middle of a time (such as a season)

the depths of winter

(3)

: the worst part

the depths of the depression

2

mathematics

a

: the perpendicular (see perpendicular entry 1 sense 1b) measurement downward from a surface

the depth of a swimming pool

b

: the direct linear measurement from front to back

the depth of a bookshelf

3

: the quality of being deep

the depth of the pass

4

: the degree of intensity

depth of a color

also : the quality of being profound (as in insight) or full (as of knowledge)

the depth of her experience

5

: the quality or state of being complete or thorough

—used in the phrase in depth

a study will be made in depth

a subject being discussed in depth [=thoroughly, comprehensively]

compare in-depth

6

US, sports : the quality of having many good players

a team that lacks depth in the outfield

depthless

ˈdepth-ləs 

adjective

Phrases

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

Synonyms

• deepness
• drop

Examples of depth in a Sentence

These fish typically live at depths of 500 feet or more.

Students will test the temperature of the water at different depths.

The boat sank to a depth of several hundred feet.

measuring the depth of the water

the depth of a hole

The pool has a depth of 12 feet.

I began working at the factory during the depth of the Depression.

Recent Examples on the Web

But for a scientific team who found a remarkable creature, literally beyond the depths of where conventional slugs dwell, the line becomes quite a compliment. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024

Lillard, though, compromised the Bucks’ defense while hurting the team’s ability to add depth because of his $54 million salary. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

This drink balances sweet and bitter with a touch of smoky depth—perfect for those waiting out the night with quiet confidence. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The film, which is currently shooting on location, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from dep deep

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing depth

• depth charge
• depth of field
• depth perception
• depth psychology
• in-depth
• the depth of winter

Kids Definition

depth

noun

ˈdepth 

1

a

: something that is deep : a deep place or part (as of a body of water)

b

: a part that is far from the outside or surface

the depths of the woods

c

: abyss

2

a

: the middle of a time

the depth of winter

b

: an extreme state (as of despair)

3

: distance from top to bottom or from front to back

4

: the quality of being deep

depth of understanding

5

: degree of intensity

the depth of a color

depthless

-ləs 

adjective

Medical Definition

depth

noun

ˈdepth 

plural depths ˈdepth  ˈdep(t)s 

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