hoof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal when referring to human feet; formal/neutral when referring to animal anatomy
Quick answer
What does “hoof” mean?
the hard, horny part of the foot of a horse, deer, cow, or similar animal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the hard, horny part of the foot of a horse, deer, cow, or similar animal
Used informally to refer to a human foot, often humorously or disparagingly. Also used in idioms and phrases.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the word identically for animal anatomy. The informal 'on the hoof' (for food) is more common in UK English. The verb 'to hoof it' (to walk or run) is slightly more common in American informal use.
Connotations
Neutral for animals. For humans, it carries a humorous, slightly crude, or unrefined connotation.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in rural, veterinary, or equestrian contexts. Low frequency in general urban conversation except in idioms.
Grammar
How to Use “hoof” in a Sentence
N of N (the hoof of the horse)V N (to hoof the ball)V it (to hoof it home)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hoof” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He hoofed the empty can down the street in frustration.
- If the bus doesn't come, we'll have to hoof it.
American English
- The player hoofed the ball out of bounds.
- I hoofed it three blocks to make the appointment.
adjective
British English
- The hoof trimmer visited the farm.
- They heard a distinct hoof sound.
American English
- The hoof anatomy was discussed in class.
- A hoof print was found near the fence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agricultural commodities ('beef on the hoof').
Academic
Common in veterinary science, zoology, biology.
Everyday
Informal for walking ('I had to hoof it to the station'). Humorous for feet ('My hooves are killing me').
Technical
Specific in farriery (horse-shoeing) and animal husbandry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoof”
- Using 'hooves' as singular (incorrect: 'a hooves'; correct: 'a hoof').
- Confusing 'hoof' with 'paw' (paws have claws/non-hoofed animals).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'hoofs' and 'hooves' are accepted plurals, though 'hooves' is more common in modern usage.
Yes, but only informally and humorously to mean 'feet', as in 'Get your dirty hooves off the sofa!'
It's an informal phrasal verb meaning to walk or go somewhere on foot, often because of lack of transport.
No, they have different etymologies. 'Hoof' comes from Old English 'hōf', while 'hook' comes from Old English 'hōc'.
the hard, horny part of the foot of a horse, deer, cow, or similar animal.
Hoof is usually informal when referring to human feet; formal/neutral when referring to animal anatomy in register.
Hoof: in British English it is pronounced /huːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /hʊf/ or /huːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the hoof (UK: livestock sold alive; done hastily)”
- “hoof it (to walk or run)”
- “beat the hoof (archaic: to walk)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a horse on a roof – silly image, but connects 'hoof' and 'roof' (which also has the /uːf/ sound).
Conceptual Metaphor
FEET ARE ANIMAL FEET (humans are animals) -> 'Get your hooves off the table!'
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase uses 'hoof' correctly?