Horse: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽ
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horse

 

[ hษ”หrs ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

animal

A large, solid-hoofed, herbivorous mammal with a flowing mane and tail, used for riding, racing, and to carry and pull loads.

Synonyms

equine, pony, steed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horse

This word is commonly used in everyday language to refer to the animal we associate with farming, riding, or racing.

  • She rode her horse through the fields
  • The horse won the race
equine

This term is more technical and is often used in veterinary medicine, biology, or in scientific writing to refer to the horse species as a whole.

  • The veterinarian specializes in equine medicine
  • They studied equine anatomy in class
steed

This word has a more poetic or historical feel, often used in literature or storytelling to refer to a noble or brave horse, particularly one used in battle or important quests.

  • The knight mounted his steed and rode into battle
  • Her trusty steed galloped across the countryside
pony

This word is used to describe a small horse, especially one that is used for children to ride or in shows.

  • The children loved petting the pony at the fair
  • She got a pony for her birthday

Examples of usage

  • Horses are known for their speed and strength.
  • She rode her horse through the countryside.
  • The farmer used a horse to plow the field.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A frame or structure on which something is mounted or supported, especially a sawhorse.

Synonyms

sawhorse, support, trestle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horse

Refers to the large, four-legged domesticated animal commonly used for riding, work on farms, or sports such as racing.

  • She loves to ride her horse in the countryside
  • The horse galloped across the open field
sawhorse

Refers to a beam with four legs used to support a plank or board, especially useful in woodworking or construction.

  • He placed the wooden board on the sawhorse and began cutting
  • The sawhorse helps keep the wood steady while he saws
trestle

Specifically refers to a framework of horizontal beams supported by sloping legs, used in construction and as a support structure for bridges, tables, and other platforms.

  • The workers installed a sturdy trestle to hold up the bridge
  • The old wooden trestle was used to support the temporary stage
support

Broad term used when something is holding up or strengthening another structure or object within various contexts including construction, teamwork, or emotional assistance.

  • The support beams are crucial for the integrity of the building
  • She's always there to provide emotional support to her friends

Examples of usage

  • He placed the wood on the sawhorse to cut it.
  • The construction workers used a horse to hold up the beam.
Context #3 | Verb

gambling

To be unable to choose between two equally desirable options.

Synonyms

dither, hesitate, waver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horse

Repeat entry, see above.

hesitate

Appropriate when someone pauses before doing something, usually because they are unsure or worried about it.

  • She hesitated before answering his question.
  • Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
dither

Used when someone is being indecisive and is unable to make a decision, often under pressure or stress.

  • She was in a dither about whether to stay home or go out.
  • He tends to dither when faced with tough choices.
waver

Used when someone is indecisive or changes their mind frequently, often due to lack of confidence or assurance.

  • His support for the plan wavered after hearing the objections.
  • She wavered between going to college and starting a job.

Examples of usage

  • I'm really horsing between going to the beach or staying home.

Translations

Translations of the word "horse" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cavalo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เฅ‹เคกเคผเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Pferd

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kuda

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั–ะฝัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koล„

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ฆฌ (ใ†ใพ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cheval

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ caballo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท at

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง (mal)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุตุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kลฏลˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kรดลˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฉฌ (mวŽ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ konj

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hestur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถั‹ะปา›ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒฎแƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ at

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ caballo

Etymology

The word 'horse' originated from Old English 'hors', which is of Germanic origin and related to Dutch 'paard' and German 'Pferd'. Horses have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years and have played crucial roles in transportation, agriculture, and warfare throughout history.

See also: horseback, horseman, horsemanship, horsewoman.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,486, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.