deep

adjective \ ˈdēp \

Updated on: 10 Dec 2017

Definition of deep

1 : extending far from some surface or area: such as

a : extending far downward

a deep well

a deep chasm

b (1) : extending well inward from an outer surface

a deep gash

a deep-chested animal

(2) : not located superficially within the body

deep pressure receptors in muscles

c : extending well back from a surface accepted as front

a deep closet

d : extending far laterally from the center

deep borders of lace

e sports : occurring or located near the outer limits of the playing area

hit to deep right field

f sports : thrown or hit for a considerable distance : thrown or hit deep (see ²deep 3b)

a deep pass

a deep fly ball

2 : having a specified extension in an implied direction usually downward or backward

a shelf 20 inches deep

cars parked three-deep

3 a : difficult to penetrate or comprehend : recondite

deep mathematical problems

deep discussions on the meaning of life

b : mysterious, obscure

a deep dark secret

c : grave or lamentable in nature or effect

in deepest disgrace

d : of penetrating intellect : wise

a deep thinker

e : intensely engrossed or immersed

she was deep in her book

f : characterized by profundity of feeling or quality

a deep sleep

; also : deep-seated

deep religious beliefs

4 a of color : high in saturation and low in lightness

a deep red

b : having a low musical pitch (see ⁴pitch 4b) or pitch range

a deep voice

5 a : situated well within the boundaries

a house deep in the woods

b : remote in time or space

found deep in rural England

c : being below the level of consciousness

deep neuroses

d : covered, enclosed, or filled to a specified degree —usually used in combination

ankle-deep in mud

6 : large

deep discounts

7 : having many good players

a deep bull pen

—

deeply

adverb

—

deepness

noun

— in deep water

: in difficulty or distress

See deep defined for English-language learners

See deep defined for kids

Examples of deep in a Sentence

We walked in the deep snow.
a deep valley between the mountains
The water is deepest in the middle of the lake.
She's afraid of swimming in deep water.
a plant with deep roots
The house has lots of deep closets.
She has a small but deep wound on her arm.
This enormous canyon is over a mile deep.
The shelves are 10 inches deep.
He stepped into an ankle-deep puddle of mud.

Recent Examples of deep from the Web

But Watson, a senior linebacker, delivered sacks on first and second down to put the Indians into an even deeper hole.

— dave melton, Post-Tribune, "Caden Watson delivers two late sacks to clinch Crown Point's win over Portage," 3 Nov. 2017
Any trench that is more than 5 feet deep is required to have cave-in protection such as a trench box.

— audrey dutton, idahostatesman, "Contractor fined $106K for putting Downtown Boise workers in danger," 2 Nov. 2017
But its accumulation in the blood helps elephant seals make deep dives in the ocean, researchers reported here last week at the biennial meeting of the Marine Mammal Society.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Killer gas aids elephant seals’ deep dives," 1 Nov. 2017
That's deeper than analysts' estimate of an 18 cent-per-share loss.

— jonathan roeder, chicagotribune.com, "J.C. Penney suffers worst stock drop ever after predicting loss," 27 Oct. 2017
Instead of even any pro forma farewell, even shaking of hands, O'Reilly takes a deep breath and heads to a window overlooking the East River as the reporters are shown both his back and the door.

— james warren, vanityfair.com, "How a Two-Year-Old Video Cost John Kelly His Credibility," 24 Oct. 2017
Instead of even any pro forma farewell, even shaking of hands, O'Reilly takes a deep breath and heads to a window overlooking the East River as the reporters are shown both his back and the door.

— james warren, The Hive, "How a Two-Year-Old Video Cost John Kelly His Credibility," 24 Oct. 2017
Unraveling the meaning of the mummies therefore has the potential to reveal some of the deepest mysteries of a mysterious people.

— jonathon keats, Discover Magazine, "The Animal Mummy Business," 10 Nov. 2017
Ritualistic piercing is also an option, which produces some of the more graphic images—at one point, a man is suspended in the air as deep hooks dig into the skin on his back.

— bridget hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "Anthony Bourdain Finds the 'Holy Grail' of Sri Lankan Food in 'Parts Unknown'," 30 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deep.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of deep

Middle English dep, from Old English dēop; akin to Old High German tiof deep, Old English dyppan to dip — more at dip

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

deep Synonyms

Synonyms

abysmal, bottomless, profound

Antonyms

shallow, shoal, skin-deep, superficial, surface

Related Words

abyssal, unfathomable; boundless, endless, immeasurable, inestimable, infinite, limitless, measureless, unlimited, vast

Near Antonyms

depthless, two-dimensional; even, flat, flush, horizontal, level, plane, smooth; confined, finite, limited, measured, restricted

Synonym Discussion of deep

broad, wide, deep mean having horizontal extent. broad and wide apply to a surface measured or viewed from side to side.

- a broad avenue

wide is more common when units of measurement are mentioned

- rugs eight feet wide

or applied to unfilled space between limits.

- a wide doorway

broad is preferred when full horizontal extent is considered.

- broad shoulders

deep may indicate horizontal extent away from the observer or from a front or peripheral point.

- a deep cupboard
- deep woods

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

deep

adverb

Definition of deep

1 : to a great depth : deeply

still waters run deep

tunneled deep into the earth

2 : far on : late

danced deep into the night

3 sports

a : near the outer limits of the playing area

the shortstop was playing deep

b : long 6

threw deep to the wide receiver

hit the ball deep to right field

See deep defined for English-language learners

Examples of deep in a Sentence

The ship now lies deep below the water's surface.
Our feet sank deeper into the mud.
The treasure was buried deep within the ground.
Their secret offices were located deep underground.
We walked deep into the forest.
The soldiers are operating deep within enemy territory.
I stood three feet deep in the water.
He stepped ankle-deep into a puddle of mud.

Recent Examples of deep from the Web

If players like John Wall, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns and Malik Monk do what they're supposed to do, there's not much point in diving deep into a film session on what other teams want to do.

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "College Hoops Preview: Kentucky may not meet expectations — at first | Fletcher Page," 1 Nov. 2017
Thefts from autos pose one of the major problems for law enforcement throughout the Washington region, and on Monday, police in one jurisdiction went deep as part of their investigative efforts.

— martin weil, Washington Post, "Police dive into water looking for items taken from cars," 31 Oct. 2017
More home runs have been hit this season than in any other in MLB history, and everyone is wondering what has gotten into the hitters who have made going deep a habit.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "As homers spike, MLB pitchers have their fingers on a reason," 20 Sep. 2017
Small Alison only glimpses the authoritative, unabashedly masculine woman once, but the impact goes deep.

— catey sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Eighth graders snag roles in Tony-winning musical, 'Fun Home,' at Victory Gardens," 18 Sep. 2017
Thomas had a 19-yard run and Horn carried for 17 more on the next play as Jacksonville State drove deep into Racers territory.

— cheryl wray, AL.com, "JSU sets defensive records in 59-23 rout of Murray State," 4 Nov. 2017
One trait that all Arabs feel deep down is hospitality.

— polly campbell, Cincinnati.com, "Gold Star Chili: Cincinnati chili with a Jordanian accent," 2 Nov. 2017
So Kaepernick is merely making clear what all of us knew, deep down.

— angela denker, Washington Post, "Colin Kaepernick and the powerful, religious act of kneeling," 24 Sep. 2017
Hooper, the inside receiver of three on the right side of the formation, ran deep down the right seam.

— rich campbell, chicagotribune.com, "One big miscommunication mistake costs Bears defense big-time," 11 Sep. 2017

Origin and Etymology of deep

see ¹deep

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

deep

noun

Definition of deep

1 a : a vast or immeasurable extent : abyss

b (1) : the extent of surrounding space or time

the azure deep

(2) nautical : ocean

the briny deep

2 : any of the deep portions of a body of water; specifically : a generally long and narrow area in the ocean where the depth exceeds 3000 fathoms (5500 meters)

the Aldrich Deep in the south Pacific

3 : the middle or most intense part

in the deep of winter

4 nautical : any of the fathom points on a sounding line other than the marks (see ¹mark 2b)

See deep defined for English-language learners

Examples of deep in a Sentence

the kind of cold weather that we usually have only in the deep of winter
sailors exploring the farther reaches of the briny deep

Recent Examples of deep from the Web

So is Sean Fortunato, who digs mineshaft-deep into his own emotional well to pull off Billy’s grieving dad.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "Porchlight's Chicago cast of 'Billy Elliot' surely will win you over," 16 Oct. 2017
Just last year, one of his assistants was neck-deep in the WakeyLeaks scandal in which a former coach from Wake Forest leaked part of that team's playbook to opposing coaches.

— joseph gerth, The Courier-Journal, "University of Louisville must finish the job and dump Rick Pitino and Tom Jurich | Gerth," 27 Sep. 2017
That average wasn’t helped by receiver Marquise Goodwin’s drop on a long pass in Week 1 or a Seattle defense that, in Week 2, kept a safety deep to prevent any big gains.

— matt barrows, sacbee, "Hoyer’s passing average ranks among NFL’s worst. Why that could change soon," 20 Sep. 2017
It was held in the middle of a public street in Brooklyn, yet we the people were crammed six deep behind barricades and yelled at by security men.

— cathy horyn, The Cut, "Guerrillas in Our Midst," 10 Sep. 2017
That meant a position that was six deep is now down to five.

— marc narducci, Philly.com, "Drexel banking on its deep backcourt," 2 Nov. 2017
The Horned Frogs went from 49th in the country in total defense to 11th in that span — an astounding rise this deep in a season — thanks to holding Kansas State to 216 yards and Kansas to a league-record-low 21.

— carlos mendez, star-telegram, "The crazy effect playing K-State and Kansas had on TCU’s defense," 25 Oct. 2017
The Cougars’ two-deep is filled with two- and three-star recruits, but Grinch has still fielded the No.

— bruce feldman, SI.com, "Midseason Awards: The Best and Worst of College Football's First Half," 18 Oct. 2017
Bullie had seven carries during the drive, including a 10-yard, stutter-stepping, first-down run and a key 4-yard gain up the middle on fourth-and-1 deep in Bishop Amat territory.

— phil english, chicagotribune.com, "Returning from ACL tear, Hamid Bullie shows promise in Loyola win," 2 Sep. 2017

Origin and Etymology of deep

see ¹deep

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

deep Synonyms

Synonyms

thick, depth, height, middle, midst

Related Words

center, heart

DEEP Defined for English Language Learners

deep

adjective

Definition of deep for English Language Learners

: having a large distance to the bottom from the surface or highest point
: going far inward from the outside or the front edge of something
: located far inside something

deep

adverb

Definition of deep for English Language Learners

: far into or below the surface of something
: far into or inside something
: at a specified measurement downward, inward, or backward

DEEP Defined for Kids

deep

adjective \ ˈdēp \

Definition of deep for Students

deeper; deepest

1 : reaching far down below the surface

2 : reaching far inward or back from the front or outer part

a deep cut

a deep closet

3 : located well below the surface or well within the boundaries of

deep in the ground

4 : coming from well within

a deep sigh

5 : completely absorbed

deep in thought

6 : hard to understand

This story is too deep for me.

7 : mysterious

a deep, dark secret

8 : extreme in degree : heavy

a deep sleep

9 : dark and rich in color

a deep red

10 : low in tone

a deep voice

—

deeply

adverb

deep

adverb

Definition of deep for Students

deeper; deepest

1 : to a great depth : deeply

2 : ²late 1

She read deep into the night.

deep

noun

Definition of deep for Students

1 : a very deep place or part

the ocean deeps

2 : ocean 1

Pirates sailed the briny deep.

3 : the middle or most intense part

the deep of winter

Medical Dictionary

deep

adjective \ ˈdēp \

medical Definition of deep

1 a : extending well inward from an outer surface

a deep gash

b (1) : not located superficially within the body or one of its parts

deep pressure receptors in muscles

(2) : resulting from or involving stimulation of deep structures

deep pain

deep reflexes

2 : being below the level of the conscious

deep neuroses

—

deeply

adverb

Learn More about deep

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deep Spanish Central: Translation of deep Nglish: Translation of deep for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of deep for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up deep? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

deep

Definition of deep

deeply

deepness

Explore Merriam-Webster

Examples of deep in a Sentence

Recent Examples of deep from the Web

Origin and Etymology of deep

deep Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of deep

Other Anatomy Terms

deep

Definition of deep

Examples of deep in a Sentence

Recent Examples of deep from the Web

Origin and Etymology of deep

deep

Definition of deep

Examples of deep in a Sentence

Recent Examples of deep from the Web

Origin and Etymology of deep

deep Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

DEEP Defined for English Language Learners

deep

Definition of deep for English Language Learners

deep

Definition of deep for English Language Learners

DEEP Defined for Kids

deep

Definition of deep for Students

deeply

deep

Definition of deep for Students

deep

Definition of deep for Students

Medical Dictionary

deep

medical Definition of deep

deeply

Learn More about deep

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Trending: Franks Resigns Amid 'Surrogacy' Scandal

'Wreck' and 'Reckless': Accidents Happen

Intact Latin Quiz

It's a Living: Last Names That Started as Jobs

Words of the Year: 1066