dark horse

noun

1

a

: a usually little known contender (such as a racehorse) that makes an unexpectedly good showing

b

: an entrant in a contest that is judged unlikely to succeed

2

: a political candidate unexpectedly nominated usually as a compromise between factions

Examples of dark horse in a Sentence

The Democrat from Utah has gone from being a dark horse to the front-runner in the campaign for President.

The movie is a dark horse for the award.

He is a dark horse, but I did find out that he once played football professionally.

Recent Examples on the Web

Iamaleava could have allowed the disparagement to compound, but the starting signal-caller is using it as fuel for a 2026 season where many have the Bruins painted as a potential dark horse. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Canales’ acknowledgement of Reed’s ability to play all three wide receiver positions is probably the best endorsement a dark horse can receive during the first week of camp. — Mike Kaye august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026

Daniel Jones is also noted as a dark horse for this significant award. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

The Senators became a real dark horse in the East last spring. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for dark horse

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• outsource
• perforce
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce

Kids Definition

dark horse

noun

: a contestant or a political figure whose abilities and chances of winning are not known

the convention nominated a dark horse