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 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

Hike to spot sturdy wild ponies, pedal along a rail-trail or two, or tap your toes to the twang of old-time fiddle music. — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

After debuting the print pony hair last fall, pieces were quick to sell out. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026

Big Ant, who sweeps stalls for the Compton Cowboys, shares his emotions only with his pony. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

What do pony fur, sequins, golf carts, bamboo furniture and mezcal have in common? — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

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