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
ˈhȯrs-ˌshü-ər How to pronounce horseshoe (audio)
ˈhȯrsh-
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.
Ice-cold lemonade and lawn games—like horseshoes or cornhole—bring it all together. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 14 June 2026 Guests crowd around the horseshoe-shape counter to watch short-order cooks flip pancakes, crack eggs, and work the sizzling griddle just feet away. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026 The bar’s elegant horseshoe design makes for easy conversation among hosts and several guests. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 Great-granddaughter Princess Charlotte wore a diamond horseshoe brooch that once belonged to the late monarch. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 12 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing horseshoe

Rhymes for horseshoe

See All Rhymes for horseshoe

Browse Nearby Words

horseshit
horseshoe
horseshoe arch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Horseshoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horseshoe. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of horseshoe for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horseshoe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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