hoof

1 of 2

noun

ˈhu̇f  ˈhüf 

plural hooves ˈhüvz  ˈhu̇vz  also hoofs

1

: a curved covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the digits of an ungulate mammal and that corresponds to a nail or claw

2

: a hoofed foot especially of a horse

Illustration of hoof

• 1 2 3 4 parts of wall
• 1 toe
• 2 side walls
• 3 quarters
• 4 buttresses
• 5 bulbs
• 6 sole
• 7 frog

hoof

2 of 2

verb

hoofed; hoofing; hoofs

transitive verb

1

: to walk especially with haste

hoofed it to the lecture hall

2

: kick, trample

intransitive verb

: to move on the feet

especially : dance

Phrases

on the hoof

of a meat animal : before butchering : living

90¢ a pound on the hoof

Synonyms

Verb

• ambulate
• foot (it)
• leg (it)
• pad
• step
• traipse
• tread
• walk

Examples of hoof in a Sentence

Verb

The cast was hoofing on the stage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The blustery winds muffled the clank of wheels and thud of hooves. —Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025

Each year the public has been invited to hear the thunder of hooves and photograph the moment as experienced riders round up a herd of some 1,300 buffalo during the state’s Buffalo Round Up and Arts Festival. —Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025

Verb

Not since The Rosie O’Donnell Show have we been so frequently blessed with hoofers hoofing about in the ol’ hoof house. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025

With support from midfielders, Villa were comfortable playing in tight areas, often electing to make the extra pass rather than hoof the ball upfield. —Mark Carey, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hōf; akin to Old High German huof hoof, Sanskrit śapha

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1641, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing hoof

• cloven hoof
• hoof-and-mouth disease
• hoof it

Rhymes for hoof

• goof
• kloof
• poof
• proof
• roof
• spoof
• woof
• aloof
• behoof
• disproof
• flameproof
• foolproof

Kids Definition

hoof

1 of 2 noun

ˈhu̇f  ˈhüf 

plural hooves ˈhu̇vz 

ˈhüvz

or hoofs

1

: a covering of horn that protects the front of or encloses the ends of the toes of some mammals (as horses, oxen, and pigs) and that corresponds to a nail or claw

2

: a hoofed foot especially of a horse

hoofed

ˈhu̇ft

ˈhüft

ˈhu̇vd

ˈhüvd

adjective

hoof

2 of 2 verb

1

: to walk especially with haste

hoofed it to class

2

: to dance especially as a performer

watched the cast hoofing on the stage

hoofer noun

Medical Definition

hoof

noun

ˈhu̇f  ˈhüf 

plural hooves ˈhüvz  ˈhu̇vz  also hoofs

: a horny covering that protects the ends of the toes of numerous plant-eating 4-footed mammals (as horses or cattle)

also : a hoofed foot