thin

Definition

  • verb: to make (something or someone) thin or thinner or to become thin or thinner
  • verb: to make thin or 'thinner'
  • adjective: having a small distance between the top and bottom or front and back surfaces
  • adjective: having little extent from one surface to its opposite
  • usually + 'down'
  • synonyms: rare, slim, slender

Examples

  • He plans to 'thin' (out) the young carrots in the garden. [=to remove some of them so that there is more room between the remaining carrots]

  • His hair is a little 'thin' on top. = He's a little 'thin' on top. [=he does not have a lot of hair on the top of his head]

  • The bank's decision to raise rates could be 'the thin end of the wedge'. [=many other banks may also decide to raise rates]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) I'm going to have to ask you to turn out your pockets. Not my idea, sir. The warden saw his show in Manchester last year where he vanished into thin air. He's convinced he'll try and escape. I told him the only way Borden's going to disappear is if I leave him out there with the other inmates. (..)
    2006 The Prestige