- (n.) A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.
- (v.t.) To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span.
- (v.t.) The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.
- (n.) The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). fathom. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/fathom/definitions/2007147 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "fathom" http://smartdefine.org/fathom/definitions/2007147 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, fathom, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/fathom/definitions/2007147>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "fathom" 27 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/fathom/definitions/2007147> |