Definition

Not having a horse.

Example

In the early 1900s, the term 'horseless carriage' was used to describe early automobiles.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new horseless carriage technology?

I did! It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie.

Right? I can't believe we might actually have horseless vehicles soon.

It's amazing how far we've come in transportation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Horseless → It is formed from "horse" (from Old English "hors", meaning a large domesticated animal used for riding and work) and "-less" (meaning without). The word "horseless" means without a horse, typically referring to a vehicle that does not require horses for propulsion, such as an automobile.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('-less') a 'horse' — that's why horseless means lacking a horse.

Visually Confused Words