hoofbeat

noun

hoof·​beat ˈhu̇f-ˌbēt How to pronounce hoofbeat (audio)
ˈhüf-
: the sound of a hoof striking a hard surface (such as the ground)

Examples of hoofbeat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the true pulse of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the hoofbeat of elk, the park’s most abundant large mammal. National Geographic, 12 Jan. 2023 The next morning, Santa will deliver gifts from a real sleigh drawn by brother draft horses Pete and Repeat, their hoofbeats muffled by glittering, fresh white snow. Candice Yacono, Orange County Register, 29 July 2019 Most of us rarely do this, unless moved by a desire to mimic the hoofbeats of a horse, but Charlie Graham (Milly Shapiro), a non-smiling girl of thirteen, klokks with unnerving frequency. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 7 June 2018 These are the most familiar hoofbeats, those made by horses. Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 29 June 2017 The hurried hoofbeats of gods, riding atop the backs of beasts. Demi Adejuyigbe, The New Yorker, 30 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hoofbeat.' 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

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hoofbeat was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near hoofbeat

Cite this Entry

“Hoofbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoofbeat. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hoofbeat

noun
hoof·​beat ˈhu̇f-ˌbēt How to pronounce hoofbeat (audio)
ˈhüf-
: the sound of a hoof striking a hard surface (as the ground)
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