What does thin mean?
“Thin” describes something that has little thickness, width, or bulk. Its meaning extends beyond physical measurements: a thin layer is not substantial, a thin crowd is sparsely distributed, and a thin voice is weak or high-pitched. The word can also be used figuratively for ideas, evidence, or resources that seem insufficient. As a verb, “thin” means to make something less thick or to reduce the amount of something, as in thinning a sauce or a crowd. In informal use, “thin” can refer to a slender person. The adjective is especially common in descriptions of materials, bodies, lines, ice, and slices. Because it ranges from literal measurement to metaphor, it is a useful word for expressing reductions in size, density, strength, and abundance without requiring technical vocabulary.
Having little thickness, width, or bulk; slender, narrow, sparse, or insufficient.
"The ice on the lake was dangerously thin."
The word is highly versatile, describing physical dimensions, insufficient quantity, and reduced strength or intensity.
To make something less thick, dense, or plentiful, or to become less thick or numerous.
"They thinned the vegetables before adding them to the stew."
Common patterns include “thin out,” meaning to reduce the amount or density of something, and “thin the crowd,” meaning to make it less crowded.
In a thin manner or to a thin extent.
"She sliced the onion thin."
This use is less common than the adjective and is often replaced by “thinly” in formal writing.
A slender person; a person who is not bulky.
"The tailor selected several thins for the runway."
The noun is relatively informal and is chiefly used in contexts focused on a person’s build.
The plural is used when referring to multiple slender people, especially in informal or fashion-related contexts.
"The magazine photographed several prominent thins that season."
The word “thin” descends from Old English þynne and belongs to a Germanic family that still includes Dutch dun and German dünn.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thin come from?
“Thin” comes from Old English þynne, meaning slender or lacking thickness. The word is inherited from Proto-Germanic and has close cognates in Dutch dun, German dünn, Danish tynd, and Swedish tunn. Its basic sense concerns reduced thickness, while later uses developed from the idea of something lacking substance, density, or strength.
Related word forms
How thin is actually used
“Thin” is neutral in most contexts, though “thin” as a noun and “thinly” can sound somewhat literary or informal. In descriptions of people, it usually means slender rather than weak or unhealthy; that interpretation may depend on context.
Easily confused with thin
“Thin” describes something lacking thickness or breadth, whereas “then” means “at that time” or “on that occasion.”