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

Sports such as Over-the-Line, Ultimate Frisbee, flag football and horseshoes, immediately come to mind. —Phillip Rockhold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025

Another horseshoe shaped, gastronomic bar boasts a display of housemade charcuterie and fresh seafood, as well as a selection of the best caviar served with Dom Pérignon, an ambassador of the house. —Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Next, forge the horseshoe as requested and take it to the man in charge of the stable. —Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025

What to Consider The horseshoe shape can be limiting in some sleeping situations. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing horseshoe

• horseshoe arch
• horseshoe crab

Rhymes for horseshoe

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

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