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

Finish up the horseshoes and deliver them to Kabat. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

Fans will be feet from the action in SoFi Center’s horseshoe stands. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025

Grab a spot at the horseshoe bar to watch the kitchen-and-cocktail bustle. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

In addition, fish at the catch and release pond, play horseshoes or volleyball, and swim at the zero-entry pool, which provides easy entry for children and those with disabilities. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 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