hoof

1 of 2

noun

plural hooves ˈhüvz How to pronounce hoof (audio) ˈhu̇vz How to pronounce hoof (audio) also hoofs
1
: a curved covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the digits of an ungulate mammal and that corresponds to a nail or claw
2
: a hoofed foot especially of a horse

Illustration of hoof

Illustration of hoof
  • 1 2 3 4 parts of wall
  • 1 toe
  • 2 side walls
  • 3 quarters
  • 4 buttresses
  • 5 bulbs
  • 6 sole
  • 7 frog

hoof

2 of 2

verb

hoofed; hoofing; hoofs

transitive verb

1
: to walk especially with haste
hoofed it to the lecture hall
2

intransitive verb

: to move on the feet
especially : dance
Phrases
on the hoof
of a meat animal : before butchering : living
90¢ a pound on the hoof

Examples of hoof in a Sentence

Verb The cast was hoofing on the stage.
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.
Noun
In Ruidoso, New Mexico, the pounding hooves of racehorses have entranced crowds from across Texas and New Mexico every summer, pumping in millions of dollars from the All-American Derby, Oaks and Futurity races and the steady hum of seasonal jobs that carry this mountain village. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 The animals' fur and expressions, even down to the dirt on Wilbur's hooves, looks real. Devonne Goode, Parents, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
As top-tier sports continue to flee pay-TV like so many panicky horses hoofing their way out of a burning stable, the WNBA is nosing around for oats among the haybales as the sparks fly skyward. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 One of Wilson’s focuses was a substantial investment in the ventilation system, which hoofs up smoke like a super-charged Dyson. William Goodman, Robb Report, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hoof

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hōf; akin to Old High German huof hoof, Sanskrit śapha

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hoof was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Hoof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoof. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

hoof

1 of 2 noun
plural hooves ˈhu̇vz How to pronounce hoof (audio)
ˈhüvz
or hoofs
1
: a covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the toes of some mammals (as horses, oxen, and pigs) and that corresponds to a nail or claw
2
: a hoofed foot especially of a horse
hoofed
ˈhu̇ft
ˈhüft
ˈhu̇vd
ˈhüvd
adjective

hoof

2 of 2 verb
1
: to walk especially with haste
hoofed it to class
2
: to dance especially as a performer
watched the cast hoofing on the stage
hoofer noun

Medical Definition

hoof

noun
plural hooves ˈhüvz How to pronounce hoof (audio) ˈhu̇vz How to pronounce hoof (audio) also hoofs
: a horny covering that protects the ends of the toes of numerous plant-eating 4-footed mammals (as horses or cattle)
also : a hoofed foot

More from Merriam-Webster on hoof

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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