horsetail

noun

horse·​tail ˈhȯrs-ˌtāl How to pronounce horsetail (audio)
: any of a genus (Equisetum of the order Equisetales) of lower tracheophytes comprising perennial, spore-producing plants that spread by creeping rhizomes and have leaves reduced to nodal sheaths on the hollow jointed ribbed shoots

Illustration of horsetail

Illustration of horsetail
  • 1 vegetative plant
  • 2 fertile plant

Examples of horsetail in a Sentence

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.
The Diplodocus appeared to be less fussy, consuming soft ferns and horsetail plants as well as tougher parts of the plant. — Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2025 Taking horsetail and apple cider vinegar may increase your risk for hypokalemia. — Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025 Apple cider vinegar can also interact with certain dietary supplements, such as licorice, cassia cinnamon, and horsetail. — Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025 Crafted like a drum, each sieve features a thin, 15-centimeter (6 inches) high wooden rim that secures the traditional horsetail fabric. — ABC News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for horsetail

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horsetail was in the 15th century

Rhymes for horsetail

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Browse Nearby Words

horse syphilis
horsetail
horsetail agaric
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

horsetail

noun
horse·​tail ˈhȯr-ˌstāl How to pronounce horsetail (audio)
: any of a genus of primitive plants that reproduce by spores instead of by flowers and seeds and have hollow stems and very small leaves resembling scales

called also equisetum, scouring rush

More from Merriam-Webster on horsetail

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horsetail

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