cloven hoof

noun

1
: a foot (as of a sheep) divided into two parts at its distal extremity
2
[from the traditional representation of Satan as cloven-hoofed] : the sign of devilish character
cloven-hoofed
ˈklō-vən-ˌhu̇ft How to pronounce cloven hoof (audio)
-ˌhüft
-ˌhu̇vd
-ˌhüvd
adjective

Examples of cloven hoof in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And, does that pointed shoe resemble a cloven hoof? Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2023 But after the release of their 2010 debut album Opus Eponymous — a theatrical metal masterpiece about the coming of the Antichrist — something peculiar began to happen with Ghost: Forge dipped a cloven hoof into social and political commentary. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2022 Leaving cloven hoof prints from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, more than 3,500 musk oxen live in Alaska. Ned Rozell, Anchorage Daily News, 3 July 2021 This story has everything: cloven hooves on the run, a major urban city, an air of mystery—and all without animal carnage or service interruptions? Cady Drell, Marie Claire, 21 Aug. 2018 Their bodies are built for harsh desert conditions, from their cloven hooves and extra-long eyelashes to their cactus-chewing mouths. Elaina Zachos, National Geographic, 30 May 2018 In contrast, cloven hooves are an external characteristic. Rabbi Avi Weiss, Jewish Journal, 9 Apr. 2018 To the Jewish-controlled press: as a creature with horns, a cloven hoof, and a long tail. Philip Bump, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cloven hoof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cloven hoof was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near cloven hoof

Cite this Entry

“Cloven hoof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloven%20hoof. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cloven hoof

noun
cloven-hoofed
ˌklō-vən-ˈhu̇ft
-ˈhüft
-ˈhu̇vd
-ˈhüvd
adjective

Medical Definition

cloven hoof

noun
cloven-hoofed
-ˈhu̇ft How to pronounce cloven hoof (audio) -ˈhüft How to pronounce cloven hoof (audio)
-ˈhu̇vd
-ˈhüvd
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cloven hoof

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!