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

The Rooms 1 of 2 Interior of a King Bedroom in the Rosewood Suite Durston Saylor/Courtesy of Rosewood Baha Mar The hotel is shaped like a horseshoe with 226 guest rooms, all with at least one private terrace, divided between two towers (pro tip: the east tower gets better sunset views). —Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025

In warmer months, guests can enjoy lawn games – think croquet, horseshoes, and cornhole – or take a dip in the infinity pool. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025

Sports such as Over-the-Line, Ultimate Frisbee, flag football and horseshoes, immediately come to mind. —Phillip Rockhold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025

Another horseshoe shaped, gastronomic bar boasts a display of housemade charcuterie and fresh seafood, as well as a selection of the best caviar served with Dom Pérignon, an ambassador of the house. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 19 Feb. 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