horseshoe

noun

horse·​shoe ˈhȯrs-ˌshü 

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 

ˈhȯrsh-

noun

Examples of horseshoe in a Sentence

The lake was a horseshoe surrounded by tall pine trees.

Recent Examples on the Web

That distinct Central California DNA persists in the resort’s decor today, with horseshoes and lariats on the walls and local flora in the bungalow-style rooms. —Brett Evans, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024

Curved outer lips: The outer lips have a horseshoe shape, with the small lips exposed in the front. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2024

The Altar Stone lies partially buried within Stonehenge’s horseshoe. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Aug. 2024

The choose-your-own-adventure experience could include hiking, mountain and stargazing around the 70-acre horseshoe canyon where the property is situated; yoga, pilates or pickleball; nutrition classes in their garden; or chakra balancing in the spa. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing horseshoe

• horseshoe arch
• horseshoe crab

Kids Definition

horseshoe

noun

horse·​shoe ˈhȯrs-ˌshü 

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