hooves: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, technical (veterinary/zoology), literary, everyday (in agricultural contexts).
Quick answer
What does “hooves” mean?
The plural form of 'hoof,' referring to the hard, horny part of the foot of an ungulate mammal, such as a horse, cow, deer, or sheep.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'hoof,' referring to the hard, horny part of the foot of an ungulate mammal, such as a horse, cow, deer, or sheep.
Can be used figuratively to refer to the entire animal (e.g., 'the clatter of hooves'), or symbolically to evoke themes of nature, agriculture, industry, or solidity. In fantasy contexts, may refer to mythical creatures (e.g., satyrs).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'hooves' as the primary plural. 'Hoofs' is a less common, but acceptable, alternative plural in both, with no strong regional preference.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
'Hooves' is significantly more frequent than 'hoofs' in modern usage in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hooves” in a Sentence
[Subject: animal] + has + [Determiner] + hoovesThe + sound/clatter + of + hooves[Verb: hear, hear the] + hoovesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hooves” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We had to hoof it all the way to the station when the bus broke down.
- He hoofed the ball clear of the penalty area.
American English
- We hoofed it three miles to the gas station.
- The goalie hoofed the ball downfield.
adjective
British English
- The hoof-print in the mud was clearly a deer's.
- Hoof care is essential for animal welfare.
American English
- The hoof print was deep, suggesting a large animal.
- Regular hoof trimming is part of the routine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agricultural commodities trading ('cattle on the hoof').
Academic
Common in biology, veterinary science, zoology, and agricultural studies.
Everyday
Common in rural settings, equestrian contexts, and general descriptions of animals.
Technical
Specific in anatomy (e.g., 'hoof wall,' 'hoof care'), farriery, and animal husbandry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hooves”
- Using 'hoof' as an uncountable noun ('The horse has strong hoof').
- Overusing the rare plural 'hoofs'.
- Misspelling as 'hoovs' or 'hoves'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct plurals for 'hoof.' 'Hooves' is the more common and traditional form, while 'hoofs' is a regularized plural used less frequently.
No, only for ungulate mammals (horses, cattle, deer, goats, sheep, pigs). For other animals, use 'paws' (dogs, cats), 'feet' (birds, lizards), or specific terms like 'talons' (birds of prey).
It has two meanings: 1) Referring to livestock that is still alive and not yet butchered ('selling cattle on the hoof'). 2) Doing something hastily or without proper preparation ('I had to eat lunch on the hoof').
Yes, subtly. In British English, it's typically /huːvz/ (with a long 'oo' as in 'food'). In American English, both /hʊvz/ (with a short 'u' as in 'book') and /huːvz/ are common. The vowel in the singular 'hoof' shows the same variation.
The plural form of 'hoof,' referring to the hard, horny part of the foot of an ungulate mammal, such as a horse, cow, deer, or sheep.
Hooves is usually formal, technical (veterinary/zoology), literary, everyday (in agricultural contexts). in register.
Hooves: in British English it is pronounced /huːvz/, and in American English it is pronounced /hʊvz/ /huːvz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the hoof (alive, not butchered; also, done hastily)”
- “show the cloven hoof (reveal a diabolical or evil nature)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a group of animals moving: many 'hoofs' make a 'sound' that 'moves' you -> the 'v' in 'moves' matches the 'v' in 'hooves'.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/STABILITY IS HAVING SOLID HOOVES (e.g., 'a company on a sound footing'); RHYTHM/POWER IS THE BEAT OF HOOVES.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct figurative use of 'hooves'?