pony

noun

po·​ny ˈpō-nē 

plural ponies

1

a

: a small horse

especially : one of any of several breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance

b

: a bronco, mustang, or similar horse of the western U.S.

c

: racehorse

—usually used in plural

2

: something smaller than standard: such as

a

: a small beer glass

b

: a small liqueur glass typically holding one ounce

3

: a literal translation of a foreign language text

especially : one used surreptitiously by students in preparing or reciting lessons

Examples of pony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

New designs such as moccasins and penny loafers add to dainty slippers, rubber-lug ankle boots and winter takes on boat shoe styles in a lineup that encompasses soft suede, natural leather, silk velvet and pony hair, among others. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025

The team brought two ponies — 17-year-old Pearl and 15-year-old Aiden — who stepped out of their van full of hay and trotted through the streets of New York City. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

Now, the barn has become extremely popular with animal lovers who want to spend a night with the 12-year-old miniature Shetland pony. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

In nature, small dogs live longer than large dogs, and ponies live longer than horses. —Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete French poulenet, diminutive of French poulain colt, from Old French pulain, perhaps from Medieval Latin pullamen young animal, from Latin pullus — more at foal

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pony

• cow pony
• dog and pony show
• one-trick pony
• pony express
• pony up
• Shetland pony
• Welsh mountain pony
• Welsh pony

Rhymes for pony

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

pony

noun

po·​ny ˈpō-nē 

plural ponies

1

: a small horse

especially : a horse of any of several breeds of very small compact animals

2

: a word-for-word translation of a foreign language text