WordGarden.iosaddle
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈædəl/
US
- /ˈsædəl/
Meanings
Noun
a rider's seat on a horse, bicycle, or similar mount
a low ridge or dip connecting two higher points, especially between mountain peaks
Verb
to put a saddle on a horse or other riding animal
to burden someone with a problem, duty, or cost
Beyond the definition
A saddle is best known as the seat a rider uses on a horse. It helps the rider sit securely and stay in control. The same word is also used for the seat on a bicycle or motorcycle. As a verb, "saddle" often means to give someone a duty, problem, or debt that they do not really want. If someone is saddled with extra work, they have to carry that burden whether they like it or not.
A saddle is most commonly the seat placed on a horse or other riding animal so a person can ride more safely and comfortably. It helps spread the rider's weight and gives a more stable position. By extension, the word is also used for the seat on a bicycle or motorcycle, even though those seats are much simpler in design.
The word also works as a verb. To saddle an animal means to put this seat on it before riding. In everyday English, to saddle someone with something means to place a burden on them, such as extra work, blame, or debt. If a person is saddled with a difficult task, the idea is that they have been made to carry it, often against their wishes.
You may also hear the phrase "saddle up," which literally means to get a horse ready to ride and more broadly means to get ready for action. In a wider and more technical sense, "saddle" can name shapes or parts that look like this kind of seat, but for most learners the main ideas are the riding seat, the bike seat, and the sense of giving someone an unwanted burden.
Examples
- 1
Horse riding
He checked the saddle before he got on the horse.
- 2
Bicycle seat
This bike has a softer saddle, so it's more comfortable on long rides.
- 3
Horse preparation
She saddled the horse just after sunrise.
- 4
Financial burden
The company was saddled with heavy debts after the takeover.
- Patternbe saddled with + problem
have to deal with something difficult or unwanted
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Return after break
After months away from racing, she was happy to get back in the saddle.
- Phraseget back in the saddle
return to an activity after a break or problem
- 6
Responsibility
The new manager has only been in the saddle for a week.
- Phrasein the saddle
in a position of control or responsibility
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- saddlenounverb
Forms
- saddledpast tenseverbnoun
- saddlespluralnounverb
- saddling-ing formverbnoun