What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
girth
Example
The girth of the tree trunk was too wide for me to wrap my arms around. [girth: noun]
Example
He tightened the girth on the horse's saddle before mounting. [girth: noun]
Example
The belt's girth was too small for his waist. [girth: noun]
circumference
Example
The circumference of the circle was calculated using pi times the diameter. [circumference: noun]
Example
The circumference of the park was a popular route for joggers. [circumference: noun]
Example
The nurse measured the circumference of the patient's arm before taking their blood pressure. [circumference: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circumference is more commonly used than girth in technical and scientific contexts, while girth is more commonly used in equestrian and fitness contexts. Both words are less common in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between girth and circumference?
Circumference is generally considered more formal and technical than girth, which can have a more informal or colloquial connotation.
