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

Playa Mar Chiquita’s striking horseshoe silhouette is shaped by two limestone outcroppings, which together create a natural swimming pool filled by water flowing in from the Atlantic. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 27 July 2025

From 1875 to 1929 it was delineated by a simple circle outlined in chalk (hence the name), but today the circle is much more esteemed with presentation stands and roses planted in the shape of a horseshoe. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025

What to look for in a quality horseshoe set Parts of the horseshoe There are five key parts of the horseshoe, all of which affect the game. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 July 2025

Miranda Lambert revealed a new tattoo on her arm The horseshoe tattoo has a special meaning for the country artist Lambert has a collection of tattoos, including script on her arm and an arrow on her hand Miranda Lambert is showing off some new ink. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 28 Apr. 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