crowhop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical (Equestrian, Baseball), Informal
Quick answer
What does “crowhop” mean?
A short, stiff, hopping jump, often performed by a horse that bucks mildly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, stiff, hopping jump, often performed by a horse that bucks mildly.
A small, restrained, or preparatory jump; in baseball, an illegal pitching motion where the pitcher makes a small hop before throwing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more prevalent in American English, particularly in baseball contexts. In British English, its primary association is with equestrianism.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a connotation of a small, often awkward or non-compliant movement.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general usage. Highest frequency in specific American sports journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “crowhop” in a Sentence
NP crowhopNP give a crowhopNP do a crowhopVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crowhop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The green horse will sometimes crowhop when asked for a canter.
American English
- The umpire called a balk because the pitcher crowhopped.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not typically used as an adjective]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used only in highly specialized papers on equine behaviour or sports rules.
Everyday
Extremely rare.
Technical
Primary domain: Equestrian training manuals, baseball rulebooks, and sports commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crowhop”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'jump'.
- Confusing it with 'buck' (a more violent motion).
- Using it outside of its technical domains without context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term used primarily in equestrian and baseball contexts.
Yes, it can be used as a verb (e.g., 'The horse crowhopped.') as well as a noun (e.g., 'He gave a crowhop.').
A crowhop is a smaller, stiffer, and less athletic jump, often with less arch in the back. A buck is a more forceful, explosive motion where the horse kicks its hind legs upward.
A crowhop by a pitcher provides an unfair mechanical advantage, generating more power and velocity than a legal pitching delivery from the set position allows.
A short, stiff, hopping jump, often performed by a horse that bucks mildly.
Crowhop is usually technical (equestrian, baseball), informal in register.
Crowhop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrəʊhɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkroʊhɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms found]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CROW hopping awkwardly on the ground — a small, stiff jump.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESISTANCE IS AN AWKWARD JUMP (The horse/pitcher's reluctance manifests as a small, jarring hop).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'crowhop' most specifically used?