mare
B1Formal and specialized for the horse meaning; informal for extended uses.
Definition
Meaning
A female horse, especially an adult one.
A spectral figure or incubus that sits on the chest of a sleeping person, causing distress and nightmares (archaic, from folklore). Also used informally and humorously to refer to a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a zoological/animal husbandry term. In folklore, "mare" is the etymological root of "nightmare". The informal use ("a bit of a mare") is UK-centric slang derived from 'nightmare'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Informal use meaning 'a difficult or chaotic situation' (e.g., "What a mare!") is common in British English, but rare or unrecognised in American English.
Connotations
In both, the primary zoological term is neutral. In British informal use, it carries a light-hearted, complaining tone. In archaic folklore, it has a dark, supernatural connotation.
Frequency
The equine term is of equal, moderate frequency in both varieties. The informal UK sense is fairly common in colloquial speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[mare] of [noun: a certain breed]The [mare] [verb: foaled/neighed/grazed].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mare's nest (a hoax or a muddle)”
- “shanks's mare (one's own legs as transport)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the equine industry (breeding, racing, sales).
Academic
Used in zoology, animal science, and historical/folkloric studies.
Everyday
Common in rural contexts or when discussing horses. UK informal use for troubles.
Technical
Specific term in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mare and her foal are in the field.
- He rides a brown mare.
- We bought a thoroughbred mare for breeding.
- The vet examined the pregnant mare.
- The champion stallion was retired to stud, siring foals from select mares.
- Organising the event without a schedule turned into a proper mare.
- Folklore tells of the mare, a sinister entity believed to cause sleep paralysis.
- The genetic lineage of the mares in this stud is meticulously documented.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A MARE is a female horse you might see in a FAIR or care for in a STABLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE OF TROUBLE IS A MARE (from UK informal use and 'nightmare').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "марево" (mirage/haze).
- Do not confuse with Russian "море" (sea). The words are false friends.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mare' for a young female horse (use 'filly').
- Pronouncing it like 'mayor'.
Practice
Quiz
In British informal English, what can 'a bit of a mare' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A filly is a young female horse, usually under four years old. A mare is an adult female horse, typically four years or older.
Yes. 'Nightmare' originally referred to a evil spirit or incubus (an Old English 'mare') that was believed to sit on sleepers' chests, causing bad dreams. The 'horse' meaning comes from a different, unrelated Old English word.
Rarely. It is sometimes used for the female of certain other equids (like zebras or donkeys), but specific terms like 'jenny' (female donkey) are more common. It is not used for other animals.
Yes, it's considered casual, colloquial slang. It's acceptable in informal conversation but not in formal writing.