What is a fathom?

Answer 1

A fathom is a unit of imperial length which is used to measure the depth of water. I fathom is equivalent to 6feet or 1.83metres e.g. 3 fathoms = 18ft or 5.49m

Answer 2

A fathom is a unit of length equal to six feet, commonly used to measure the depth of water.

Answer 3

A fathom is a unit of length, equal to 6 feet, and typically used

in reference to the depth of water.

Answer 4

Fathom is an imperial unit of length equivalent to 2 yard or 1.8288 m. It is commonly use for indication of sea depth.

Answer 5

It is from Old English fæthm meaning "outstretched arms", referring to the means of measuring out rope on a ship to measure depth.