pony

noun

po·​ny ˈpō-nē How to pronounce pony (audio)
plural ponies
1
a
: a small horse
especially : one of any of several breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance
b
: a bronco, mustang, or similar horse of the western U.S.
c
: racehorse
usually used in plural
2
: something smaller than standard: such as
a
: a small beer glass
b
: a small liqueur glass typically holding one ounce
3
: a literal translation of a foreign language text
especially : one used surreptitiously by students in preparing or reciting lessons

Examples of pony 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.
Sammy, with his pony tail and wedge cut, was behind the pill window handing out pill packets. Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 The shimmying scramble off the line as the coupe tries to best translate 755 ponies to the road is equal parts satisfying and exhilarating. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025 Participants can pay $20 for a 20-ticket activity and ride voucher that can be redeemed for amusement rides, the giant slide, kiddie bumper boats, make your own scarecrow, a pig slide, pony rides and pumpkin bowling. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025 These include the Plume loafers, the Easy tote bag in leather and pony hair, as well as the Retro Crest sneakers and mountain-style boots. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pony

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete French poulenet, diminutive of French poulain colt, from Old French pulain, perhaps from Medieval Latin pullamen young animal, from Latin pullus — more at foal

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pony was in 1659

Cite this Entry

“Pony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pony. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pony

noun
po·​ny ˈpō-nē How to pronounce pony (audio)
plural ponies
1
: a small horse
especially : a horse of any of several breeds of very small compact animals
2
: a word-for-word translation of a foreign language text

More from Merriam-Webster on pony

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