side horse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (Sports)
Quick answer
What does “side horse” mean?
An apparatus in gymnastics, historically a wooden horse used for vaulting and pommel horse routines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An apparatus in gymnastics, historically a wooden horse used for vaulting and pommel horse routines; specifically, an older term for the pommel horse apparatus.
In modern context, it refers specifically to the pommel horse event and its apparatus, used for performing swinging and circling movements with the hands on pommels.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both British and American English now predominantly use 'pommel horse'. The term 'side horse' is equally archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical, historical, sporting.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language; only found in historical discussions of gymnastics or by older specialists.
Grammar
How to Use “side horse” in a Sentence
[Athlete] performed on the side horse.The [competition] included a side horse event.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or sports science texts discussing the evolution of gymnastics equipment.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; refers to a specific piece of gymnastics apparatus, though 'pommel horse' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “side horse”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “side horse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “side horse”
- Using 'side horse' in contemporary commentary; 'pommel horse' is standard.
- Confusing it with the 'vaulting horse' (a different, now also historical, apparatus).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the official and universally used term is now 'pommel horse'. 'Side horse' is considered historical.
Historically, the side horse (with pommels) was for swinging routines, while the vaulting horse (without pommels, longer) was for vaulting jumps. Both are now obsolete terms for distinct apparatuses.
Only in a historical context. In any discussion of contemporary gymnastics, you should use 'pommel horse' to be understood correctly.
Because gymnasts performed alongside it, using the pommels on its sides, rather than mounting it like a rider. The name distinguished it from the 'long horse' used for vaulting.
An apparatus in gymnastics, historically a wooden horse used for vaulting and pommel horse routines.
Side horse is usually technical (sports) in register.
Side horse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd hɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd hɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A gymnast works on the SIDE of the horse (using the pommels on its sides), not by riding it.
Conceptual Metaphor
EQUIPMENT IS A TOOL FOR ATHLETIC EXPRESSION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern, standard term for the gymnastics apparatus historically called the 'side horse'?