widthwise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widthwise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is oriented or measured in the direction of width, often in contexts related to dimensions or layout. Example: "The fabric should be cut widthwise to ensure the pattern aligns properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Filling, also called Weft, or Woof, in woven fabrics, the widthwise, or horizontal, yarns carried over and under the warp, or lengthwise, yarns and running from selvage to selvage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Weft (threads running widthwise) ikat is found mainly in south Sumatra, and the complex process of double ikat is still carried on in Tenganan in Bali, where such cloth has great ceremonial significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other effects can be obtained from fancy or printed yarns, and some tufting machines reciprocate the carpet widthwise to obtain a longitudinal zigzag effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rodriguez would prefer that the area be chopped widthwise, leaving a square-shaped area with a little bit of everything left.

The New York Times - Sports

"You could probably put the Spectrum lengthwise into the new place widthwise," Nolan said.

The New York Times - Sports

Fold the pocket in half widthwise with the right sides together, aligning the two lower body pieces at the same time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But NBC went overboard in promoting, even shilling for its greatness, with graphics to which large American icons (the White House, the Statue of Liberty, the St . Louisarch) could fit into it lengthwise or widthwise.

The New York Times

3. Cut swizzle sticks in half widthwise, and cut one end off each piece sharply on diagonal.

The New York Times - Food

The yard had two features: a shed and a low stone wall, dividing the property widthwise into two levels.

The New York Times

One notable picture, taken at the 1960 Olympic trials in Palo Alto, Calif., shows an athlete who appears to be stretched widthwise, attenuated to unnatural dimensions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widthwise" to clearly indicate direction or measurement across the width of an object, especially when precision is needed in technical or instructional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "widthwise" interchangeably with "lengthwise" or "heightwise" if precision is required. "Widthwise" specifically refers to the measurement or direction across the width, not length or height.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "widthwise" modifies verbs to describe actions performed across the width of an object. It also functions as an adjective describing something oriented across its width. As Ludwig AI notes, it is correctly used in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "widthwise" functions as both an adjective and an adverb to denote direction or orientation across the width of an object or space. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its use in descriptive contexts where spatial arrangements are specified. While not extremely common, "widthwise" provides a precise way to describe dimensions, making it a valuable term for technical and instructional writing. Alternatives include "across the width" and "horizontally", but these may lack the same level of specificity in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across the width

Replaces the single-word adverb with a prepositional phrase.

broadwise

Synonym indicating direction of the width.

horizontally

Indicates direction along the width.

crosswise

Direction across the width, especially when cutting.

in breadth

Emphasizes the measurement of width.

from side to side

Describes movement or direction from one side to the other.

by its width

Highlights the dimension of width.

laterally

Refers to the side or direction from the side.

on the width

Focuses on the surface or plane defined by the width.

transversely

Implies a direction at right angles to the length.

FAQs

How to use "widthwise" in a sentence?

"Widthwise" is used to describe the orientation or direction across the width of something. For example: "The tubes should be placed widthwise inside the box."

What can I say instead of "widthwise"?

You can use alternatives like "across the width", "horizontally", or "from side to side" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "widthwise" or "in width"?

"Widthwise" is an adverb or adjective describing direction or orientation. "In width" refers to a measurement. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "widthwise" and "crosswise"?

Both terms indicate a direction across something. "Widthwise" emphasizes the measurement or dimension of width. "Crosswise" often implies cutting or placing something at a right angle to its length.