thigh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “thigh” mean?
The part of the human leg between the hip and the knee.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The part of the human leg between the hip and the knee.
The corresponding part in other animals; a cut of meat from this part of an animal, especially a chicken.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor differences may appear in culinary contexts regarding specific cuts of meat.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. In sporting contexts (e.g., football), 'thigh' is used identically to describe controlling the ball with that part of the body.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “thigh” in a Sentence
sustained an injury to his [thigh]the [thigh] of the chickengripped the horse with her [thighs]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thigh” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A thigh injury sidelined the footballer.
- She bought thigh-length boots.
American English
- A thigh bruise kept him out of the game.
- He prefers thigh protectors for hockey.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like poultry farming or sportswear.
Academic
Common in biological, anatomical, medical, and physiological texts.
Everyday
Very common when discussing the body, exercise, injuries, or food.
Technical
Standard in medical/clinical, culinary, and zoological terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thigh”
- Misspelling as 'thight'.
- Confusing 'thigh' (upper leg) with 'calf' (lower leg).
- Using 'leg' too broadly when 'thigh' is more precise.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's the standard term for the upper leg segment in humans and many animals, especially birds and mammals.
The 'thigh' is the upper part of the bird's leg, connected to the body. The 'drumstick' is the lower leg part.
No, 'thigh' is only a noun. There is no standard verb form.
It is a standard, neutral word appropriate for all registers, from casual conversation to technical medical writing.
The part of the human leg between the hip and the knee.
Thigh: in British English it is pronounced /θaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /θaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “thigh-slapper (a very funny joke)”
- “thigh-high (boots)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'thigh' and 'high' – your thigh is high up on your leg.
Conceptual Metaphor
PILLAR/SUPPORT (e.g., 'the thighs of the table'), STRENGTH (e.g., 'powerful thighs').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a correct collocation?