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)
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
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
See all Example Sentences for depth 
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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
See all Example Sentences for depth
Dictionary Entries Near depth
Cite this Entry
“Depth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depth. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
depth
noun1
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
Medical Definition
depth
noun1
: 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
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