Limb — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈlim/

Meaning & Definition of Limb

Limb (noun)

  1. one of the projecting paired appendages (such as wings) of an animal body used especially for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs
  2. a leg or arm of a human being
  3. a large primary branch of a tree
  4. the outer edge of the apparent disk of a celestial body
  5. the expanded portion of an organ or structure; especially, the upper spreading portion of a corolla (as of the phlox) whose lower part consists of a tube of fused petals

Limb (verb)

  1. dismember
  2. to cut off the limbs of (a felled tree)

Limb (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a major outgrowth from the main stem of a woody plant

    "we hung the swing from the highest limb of the tree that we could reach"

    similar: bough, branch
    related: branchlet, offshoot, outgrowth, shoot, spur, spray, sprig, twig

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Limb

The most common words with a similar meaning to Limb:

bough, branch

Related Words for Limb

branchlet, offshoot, outgrowth, shoot, spur, spray, sprig, twig

Word Forms of Limb

Inflections: limbed, limbing, limbs

Derived words: limbless (adjective), limby (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Limb

Middle English lim, from Old English; akin to Old Norse limr limb and perhaps to Old English lith limb

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Limb

Words & Phrases Containing Limb

out on a limb, phantom limb, risk life and limb, tear (someone) limb from limb

Frequently Asked Questions about Limb

What does "Limb" mean?

"Limb" means one of the projecting paired appendages (such as wings) of an animal body used especially for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: one of the projecting paired appendages (such as wings) of an animal body used especially for movement and grasping but sometimes modified into sensory or sexual organs.

What is another word for "Limb"?

Other words for "Limb" include bough and branch. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Limb" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Limb"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Limb". Common alternatives include bough and branch.

How do you use "Limb" in a sentence?

Examples of "Limb" in a sentence: "we hung the swing from the highest limb of the tree that we could reach".

Is "Limb" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Limb" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Limb" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Limb" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Limb"?

"Limb" is pronounced /ˈlim/.

What is the origin of the word "Limb"?

"Limb" comes from Middle English lim, from Old English; akin to Old Norse limr limb and perhaps to Old English lith limb. First known use: before 12th century.