gelding

noun

geld·​ing ˈgel-diŋ How to pronounce gelding (audio)
1
: a castrated animal
specifically : a castrated male horse
2
archaic : eunuch

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The 148th edition of the Preakness, which covers 1 3/16 miles on the dirt track and is run by 3-year-old colts, geldings and fillies, is set for Saturday evening. Tim Schwartz, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2023 The California gelding finished seventh in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 4 and eighth in the California Derby on April 29. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 26 Jan. 2023 Chloe's Dream, a 3-year-old gelding that ran on the Derby undercard, is the latest horse to have died at Churchill Downs in recent days. CBS News, 6 May 2023 Chloe’s Dream, a 3-year-old gelding, was pulled up in the second race for maidens, vanned off and then euthanized. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2023 Chloe's Dream, a 3-year-old gelding, and Freezing Point, a 3-year-old colt, were injured in their races on the Derby undercard, becoming the sixth and seventh horses to have died at Churchill Downs in recent days. Beth Harris, ajc, 6 May 2023 Hannah Serfass was riding Quaxx 2, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, in a hunter/jumper competition when the horse tripped and fell, according to a statement from the United States Equestrian Federation. Earle Kimel, USA TODAY, 2 May 2023 This is a one-turn mile, and the gelding’s last win came around one turn. Ed Derosa, The Courier-Journal, 2 May 2023 Princess Anne's daughter competed in the elite 5* level astride Class Affair, a 14-year-old chestnut gelding affectionately nicknamed Socks, and exclusively spoke with PEOPLE about the competition and her fire for the sport — a passion that's run in the royal family for generations. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 2 May 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse geldingr, from gelda

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gelding was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near gelding

Cite this Entry

“Gelding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gelding. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

gelding

noun
geld·​ing ˈgel-diŋ How to pronounce gelding (audio)
: a castrated animal
especially : a castrated male horse

Medical Definition

gelding

noun
geld·​ing ˈgel-diŋ How to pronounce gelding (audio)
: a castrated animal
specifically : a castrated male horse

More from Merriam-Webster on gelding

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