adj. & n.
--predic.adj. (governing a noun like a preposition)
1. of a value equivalent to (is worth {pound}50; is worth very little).
2 such as to justify or repay; deserving; bringing compensation for (worth doing; not worth the trouble).
3 possessing or having property amounting to (is worth a million pounds).
--n.
1. what a person or thing is worth; the (usu. specified) merit of (of great worth; persons of worth).
2 the equivalent of money in a commodity (ten pounds' worth of petrol).
Phrases and idioms:
for all one is worth colloq. with one's utmost efforts; without reserve. for what it is worth without a guarantee of its truth or value. worth it colloq. worth the time or effort spent. worth one's salt see SALT. worth while (or one's while) see WHILE.
Etymology: OE w(e)orth