gelding

noun

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

Examples of gelding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, a 7-year-old gelding owned by former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme won the Grade II, $500,000 New Orleans Classic — and set a track record. ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026 Trainer Shea Stuart's 7-year-old Cyber Secret gelding, a three-time local winner with 10 board finishes, tuned up with two races in open company. Arkansas Online, 22 Feb. 2026 Cole, a Belgian gelding who’s about 12 years old, calmly stood tied to a rope in the barn on the Kuehls’ property as visitors walked up to him and rubbed above his nose. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026 Damazio, a claiming-level 7-year-old gelding, was injured and threw jockey Adrian Escobedo in the second race last Sunday. Kevin Modesti, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gelding

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gelding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gelding. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

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