horseshoe

noun

horse·​shoe ˈhȯrs-ˌshü How to pronounce horseshoe (audio)
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 noun

Examples of horseshoe in a Sentence

The lake was a horseshoe surrounded by tall pine trees.
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.
The prosecutors are sitting in their chairs, but Combs' team has formed a horseshoe as members stand around Combs. Nbc News, NBC news, 1 July 2025 To pursue: Carrying a lucky charm: Items like four-leaf clovers, horseshoes or rabbit’s feet are believed to bring good luck and protection from bad vibes. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 13 June 2025 There were no horseshoes, four-leaf clovers or rabbit’s feet spotted on the Rocori bench Friday afternoon. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 6 June 2025 At Alisal Ranch in Solvang, kids can hang out at the bar and paint horseshoes or take a riding lesson. Monica Corcoran Harel, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for horseshoe

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of horseshoe was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Horseshoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horseshoe. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

horseshoe

noun
horse·​shoe ˈhȯrs-ˌshü How to pronounce horseshoe (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on horseshoe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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