WordGarden.iohorse
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɔːs/
US
- /ˈhɔrs/
Meanings
Noun
a large domesticated animal used for riding, racing, or work
a basketball-style game where players copy one another's shots
(slang)heroin
Beyond the definition
For a very long time, a horse has been a close partner to people: a strong animal used for riding, pulling, carrying, racing, and farm work. In modern English, the word usually means the large animal itself, whether you are talking about a rider, a race, or life in the countryside. You will also hear it in common expressions. If someone is "eating like a horse," they are eating a lot. If someone is "on their high horse," they are acting as if they are better than other people. In most cases, the sentence makes it clear whether the meaning is literal or figurative.
The word "horse" refers to a large, four-legged mammal that people have kept and trained for centuries. It is one of the animals most closely tied to human history, used for travel, farm work, pulling loads, war, sport, and companionship. Different breeds have been developed for different jobs, so one horse may be known for speed, another for strength, and another for endurance or calm behavior.
The word is also common in figurative English. To "work like a horse" means to work very hard. To "eat like a horse" means to eat a lot. If someone is "on their high horse," they are behaving in a proud or bossy way. In the saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth," the idea is that you should not complain too much about something given to you for free. The word also appears in terms such as "horsepower," a measure of engine power, and "Trojan horse," something that looks harmless but hides a problem, especially in computing. So while the main meaning is the animal, the word also carries ideas of strength, hard work, pride, and hidden danger depending on the context.
Examples
- 1
Riding lesson
She learned to ride a horse at summer camp.
- 2
Barn setting
The horses were standing in the shade behind the barn.
- 3
Carriage ride
A white horse pulled the carriage through the park.
- 4
Outdoor travel
We spent the afternoon exploring the hills on horseback.
- Phraseon horseback
riding a horse
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Patience idiom
Hold your horses, I'm almost ready.
- Phrasehold your horses
wait and be patient
- 6
Election surprise
Nobody expected her to win, but she turned out to be the dark horse in the election.
- Phrasedark horse
someone who surprises people by doing well
- 7
Rough play
The kids were told not to horse around near the pool.
- Phrasehorse around
play in a rough, noisy way
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- horsenounverb
Forms
- horsespluralnounverb
- horsing-ing formverbnoun
- horsedpast tenseverbnoun