Definition

The noise produced when the foot of a horse or similar animal hits the ground while walking or running.

Example

We could hear the distant hoofbeat of the horses approaching.

Conversation

Did you hear that hoofbeat when we were hiking yesterday?

Yeah, it sounded like a horse was nearby.

I love the sound of a hoofbeat on the trail.

Me too! It makes everything feel more alive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hoofbeat is formed from "hoof" (from Old English "hof", meaning the foot of an animal) and "beat" (from Old English "beatan", meaning to strike or hit). The word "hoofbeat" refers to the sound made by the striking of an animal's hoof against the ground.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'foot' ('hoof') of an animal making a 'strike' ('beat') on the ground — that's the sound of a hoofbeat.

Visually Confused Words