thigh

noun

ˈthī How to pronounce thigh (audio)
Synonyms of thighnext
1
a
: the proximal segment of the vertebrate hind or lower limb extending from the hip to the knee
b
: the segment of the leg immediately distal to the thigh in a bird or in a quadruped in which the true thigh is obscured
c
: the femur of an insect
2
: something resembling or covering a thigh
thighed
ˈthīd How to pronounce thigh (audio)
adjective

Examples of thigh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These include forehead and brow, upper body, arm and neck, thigh, and breast lifts. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 3 Sep. 2026 It was seen on the runway back in March in six variations, with the original signature line elongated to reach the thigh. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 From thigh-high options to boots that bunch at the ankles, there's a surprising amount of variety to choose from, all of which offer different styling options. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2026 Many older cars have A/C vents below the steering column, firing cool air at the driver’s lower torso and between their thighs. — Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thigh

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thēoh; akin to Old High German dioh thigh, Lithuanian taukai, plural, fat

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thigh was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing thigh

Rhymes for thigh

See All Rhymes for thigh

Browse Nearby Words

thigger
thigh
thigh bone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thigh. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thigh

noun
ˈthī How to pronounce thigh (audio)
: the part of the leg that extends from the hip to the knee

Medical Definition

thigh

noun
ˈthī How to pronounce thigh (audio)
1
: the proximal segment of the vertebrate hind or lower limb extending from the hip to the knee and supported by a single large bone compare femur sense 1
2
: the segment of the leg immediately distal to the thigh in a bird or in a quadruped in which the true thigh is obscured
3
: the femur of an insect

More from Merriam-Webster on thigh

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for thigh

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