horseshoe

noun

horse·​shoe ˈhȯrs-ˌshü 

ˈhȯrsh-

1

: a usually U-shaped band of iron fitted and nailed to the rim of a horse's hoof to protect it

2

: something (such as a valley) shaped like a horseshoe

3

horseshoes plural : a game like quoits played with horseshoes or with horseshoe-shaped pieces of metal

horseshoe transitive verb

horseshoer

ˈhȯrs-ˌshü-ər 

ˈhȯrsh-

noun

Examples of horseshoe in a Sentence

The lake was a horseshoe surrounded by tall pine trees.

Recent Examples on the Web

Back at camp, guests can play corn hole, horseshoes, volleyball, Frisbee golf, and enjoy live music on select nights and more. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 15 May 2025

Kogan sat alone behind a desk; in front of him, in the middle of a horseshoe formation, was Dinenage. —Matt Slater, New York Times, 11 May 2025

In television interviews, Sandy, with her big frizzy hair and animal print leggings often bent horseshoes, while the uber-tall Durk, with his teeny tiny workout shorts, a halter top and a large silver western belt slung around his waist, spouted off factual scientific studies. —Hayley Krischer, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Read: The horseshoe theory of psychedelics Research has not yet established the side effects of long-term ketamine therapy, but older studies of recreational users offer some insight on heavy, extended dosing. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing horseshoe

• horseshoe arch
• horseshoe crab

Rhymes for horseshoe

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

horseshoe

noun

horse·​shoe ˈhȯrs-ˌshü 

ˈhȯrsh-

1

: a usually U-shaped band of iron shaped and nailed to the rim of a horse's hoof

2

: something shaped like a horseshoe

3

plural : a game in which horseshoes are tossed at a stake in the ground

horseshoe verb

horseshoer noun