Gallop: meaning, definitions and examples

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gallop

[ˈɡæləp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

horse riding

To gallop means to ride a horse at a fast, flowing pace. It is a four-beat gait where all four legs are off the ground at the same time. Galloping is faster than trotting or cantering, and is typically used when covering long distances or during horse races.

Synonyms

dash, race, sprint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gallop	Typically used to describe the fast running motion of a horse. Useful in contexts involving animals, particularly horses, or in metaphorical senses to describe people or events moving quickly. The horse began to gallop as soon as the rider gave the command. Time seems to gallop when you're having fun.
dash	Often used to describe a quick and sudden movement, usually with a sense of urgency or in short distances. Applicable in situations where someone or something moves quickly to achieve a task or reach a destination. She made a dash for the bus as it was about to leave. He dashed into the house to avoid the rain.
sprint	Refers to running or moving at full speed for a short distance. It is often used in sports or situations needing a burst of speed for a brief period. He decided to sprint the last hundred meters of the marathon. The athlete set a new record in the 100-meter sprint.
race	Commonly used to refer to a competitive running event or any competition of speed. It can also describe a rapid movement with the intent to be the fastest. She trained hard to win the race. The kids raced to the finish line.

Examples of usage

The horse galloped across the field.
She urged her horse to gallop towards the finish line.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

speed

A gallop can also refer to a fast pace or speed. It is often used metaphorically to describe a rapid or hurried movement or action.

Synonyms

quick movement, rapid pace, swift speed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gallop	This word is commonly used when describing the fast running movement of a horse. It gives a vivid image of a horse moving at great speed, often used in contexts involving animals or storytelling about animals. The horse began to gallop across the field. She could hear the gallop of wild horses in the distance.
rapid pace	This phrase is often used to describe the speed at which an action or process happens, not necessarily limited to physical movement. It can refer to how fast someone speaks, learns, or how quickly a project is progressing. The project is moving at a rapid pace. She talks at such a rapid pace that it's hard to understand her.
swift speed	This term emphasizes the smooth and efficient aspect of fast movement. It is often used in more formal or descriptive situations. The swift speed of the train impressed all the passengers. With swift speed, the athlete crossed the finish line.
quick movement	This expression describes any kind of fast motion, not limited to animals. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from sports to everyday activities. The cheetah is known for its quick movement. His quick movement caught everyone by surprise.

Examples of usage

The project progressed at a gallop.
The news spread like wildfire, moving at a gallop.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'gallop' comes from the Old French 'galoper', meaning to leap or spring.
First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century.
Originally referred to the brisk movement of a horse before becoming common to describe racing.

Sports

In equestrian sports, galloping is essential for events like show jumping and racing.
Jockeys often use techniques to control the gallop for better speed and agility on the racecourse.
Gallop speed can reach up to 30 miles per hour in some horse breeds.

Literature

Gallop often symbolizes freedom and movement in poetry, reflecting nature’s power.
In children’s stories, galloping horses are commonly featured to convey excitement and adventure.
Famous literary works often use galloping as a metaphor for life's fast pace or transitions.

Culture

In many cultures, galloping horses are associated with heroism and boldness, often featured in folklore.
Galloping has also found its place in songs, evoking images of wild, carefree spirits riding across landscapes.
Traditional rodeos include competitions showcasing galloping techniques, highlighting the skill of riders.

Science

The biomechanics of galloping involves complex coordination of a horse's legs and body for balance and speed.
Horses have a unique skeletal structure that supports the high-impact nature of galloping.
Scientists study galloping to improve performance in horses and understand its impact on their health.

Translations

Translations of the word "gallop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 galope

🇮🇳 सरपट दौड़ना

🇩🇪 Galopp

🇮🇩 berlari cepat

🇺🇦 галоп

🇵🇱 galop

🇯🇵 ギャロップ

🇫🇷 galop

🇪🇸 galope

🇹🇷 dörtnala koşmak

🇰🇷 갤럽

🇸🇦 عدو سريع

🇨🇿 cval

🇸🇰 cval

🇨🇳 疾驰

🇸🇮 galop

🇮🇸 stökk

🇰🇿 шабандоз

🇬🇪 გალოპი

🇦🇿 dördnala qaçmaq

🇲🇽 galope

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,823, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15820 cursory
15821 advertiser
15822 profusely
15823 gallop
15824 pineapple
15825 simmer
15826 apiece
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