Mare: meaning, definitions and examples

A general term for a female horse, regardless of breeding status.

• We rode the mare along the beach
• The mare looked calm and composed

A very straightforward and general term that can be used in any context to specify the gender of the horse.

• The prize went to a female horse in the competition
• They bought a healthy female horse for their stables

Specifically used for a female horse that is kept for breeding. Often found on farms or in contexts related to horse breeding.

• The farm has several broodmares that produce high-quality foals
• She decided to sell her best broodmare

A more technical term often used in breeding to refer to the mother of a horse's foal.

• The foal's dam has won many races
• They kept a detailed record of the dam's lineage

This word can also refer to the dark plains located on the moon, but it is more specialized and used less frequently than 'lunar maria'.

• The mare on the moon's surface is visible through a telescope.
• Ancient astronomers once thought the mare were seas filled with water.

Used in scientific or astronomical contexts to describe the large, dark, basaltic plains on Earth's moon.

• Astronomers study the lunar maria to understand more about the moon's history.
• The Apollo missions landed near the lunar maria.

A more poetic or less formal way to refer to the lunar maria, often used in non-scientific contexts.

• The ancient cultures believed that the dark spots on the moon were actual moon seas.
• Under the night sky, they gazed at the moon sea and wondered about its mysteries.

Use this word when referring to a female horse.

• The mare grazed peacefully in the field.
• They adopted a beautiful mare from the rescue center.

This word is suitable for situations where something is harmed or broken. This word is neutral and is used in a wide variety of contexts, both physical and abstract.

• The storm caused significant damage to the roof.
• She was worried about the damage to her reputation.

This word should be used when something is ruined or made less enjoyable, and it can also suggest going bad, such as with food. It usually carries a negative connotation.

• Too much rain can spoil a picnic.
• Don't let the milk spoil by leaving it out of the fridge.

This word is often used when describing the process of losing shine, particularly with metals, but can also describe harm to a person’s reputation or image. It has a negative implication.

• Over time, silver can tarnish if not properly cared for.
• The scandal tarnished his previously spotless reputation.