fetlock

noun

fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk 

1

a

: a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal see horse illustration

b

: the tuft of hair itself

2

: the joint of the limb at the fetlock

Examples of fetlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the injection is for a horse’s fetlock joint — a joint somewhat analogous to the human ankle — injections cannot happen within 30 days of a race. —Matt Moret, New York Times, 2 May 2025

The majority of the injuries involved a fetlock joint. —Melissa Hoppert, New York Times, 2 May 2024

Before the rule went into effect, the state had 83 catastrophic fetlock failures in 20 months. —Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023

New York Thunder had to be put down after shattering his left front fetlock. —Joe Drape, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fitlok, fetlak; akin to Old English fōt foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for fetlock

• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk
• catwalk
• cornstalk
• crosswalk
• deadlock
• feedstock
• flintlock
• goshawk
• graywacke

Kids Definition

fetlock

noun

fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk 

1

: a projection with a bunch of hair on the back of a horse's leg above the hoof

2

: the bunch of hair growing out of the fetlock

Medical Definition

fetlock

noun

fet·​lock ˈfet-ˌläk 

1

a

: a projection bearing a tuft of hair on the back of the leg above the hoof of a horse or similar animal

b

: the tuft of hair itself

2

: the joint of the limb at the fetlock