plural gallops
1
: the way a horse or similar animal moves when it is running fast and all four of its feet leave the ground at the same time
—often used after at
The horse was at full gallop.
He mounted his horse and took off at a gallop.
—sometimes used figurativelyThe course covers early American history at a gallop. [=very quickly; in a short amount of time]
2
: a ride or run at a gallop
We went for a gallop through the countryside.
—sometimes used figurativelyThe course begins with a quick gallop through early American history.
gallops; galloped; galloping
1
a
of a horse or similar animal
: to run very fast : to run at a gallop
The horse galloped toward us.
b
: to ride on a galloping horse
He mounted his horse and galloped off to sound the alarm.
c
: to make (a horse) gallop
She galloped her horse toward us.
2
: to run or move quickly
I grabbed my books and galloped out the door.
The program gallops through early American history.
Cite this Entry
“Gallop.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/gallop. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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