Neighed: meaning, definitions and examples

Animal Behavior

• Horses neigh to communicate with each other, especially when they are excited or wanting to connect.
• The pitch and length of a neigh can express different emotions, like happiness or distress.
• Neighing is often heard when horses are separated, indicating they miss their friends.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, the neighing of a horse is seen as a sign of strength and nobility.
• Stories often depict heroes riding horses that neigh at significant moments, enhancing their relationship.
• Horse racing events frequently use the sound of horses neighing to build excitement among spectators.

Linguistics

• The word 'neigh' is a type of onomatopoeia, meaning it imitates the sound it describes.
• Different languages have their own versions of the sound horses make; for instance, in Spanish, it’s 'relinchar'.
• The verb 'neigh' is unique to horses, showcasing a rich area of animal sounds in human language.

Literature

• Horses have been featured in various literary works where their neighing plays a crucial role in setting a scene.
• In classic literature, the sound often signifies the arrival or departure of important characters, heightening dramatic tension.
• Poets have used the sound of neighing to symbolize freedom and wildness in their verses.

Science

• Horses make various vocalizations, but neighing is distinctive because it can be heard from quite a distance.
• Scientists study horse communication, discovering that they have a complex set of vocal and non-vocal interactions.
• The frequency of a horse's neigh can be influenced by its mood and environment, showcasing the animal's emotional range.

Ranking #35,956, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 35953 prosaically
• 35954 sociopathic
• 35955 fulminated
• 35956 neighed
• 35957 chlorinating
• 35958 gambol
• 35959 uncoiling
• ...