hoof
hoof Lexical Profile
hoof Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The hard, horny casing that protects the ends of the digits or toes of ungulate mammals, such as horses, cattle, and deer.
"The blacksmith carefully inspected the horse's left front hoof before applying the new shoe."
The entire foot of an ungulate mammal.
"The thunderous sound of thousands of hooves echoed across the plains as the great herd migrated."
• verb
To walk or travel on foot, especially over a long distance (often used with 'it').
"After our car broke down on the country road, we had to hoof it all the way back to the nearest town."
To kick, trample, or strike with a hoof.
"The startled stallion hoofed the wooden door of his stall, leaving a massive splintered dent."
• Rhymes for hoof
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'hōf', of Germanic origin. Cognate with Dutch 'hoef' and German 'Huf'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.