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 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

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