What does hoof mean?
A hoof is the hard, often keratin-covered end of the foot of a horse or another hoofed mammal. It may be divided into toes, as in cattle, sheep, and goats, or remain single, as in horses and donkeys. In ordinary writing, the word often refers specifically to this hard structure, but it can also stand for the animal's whole foot. Hoof is especially common in descriptions of horses, movement, sound, and animal care: hoofbeats echo across a stable, and a groom checks each hoof for cracks or tenderness. The word also has an informal verb sense meaning to move on foot, usually in the expression “hoof it.” Its irregular plural, hooves, is one of the most recognizable spelling patterns in English.
The hard, usually keratinous part of the foot of a horse or other hoofed mammal, ending in a claw or divided into toes.
"The vet found a small stone lodged in the animal's hoof."
In general use, the plural is hooves. The form hoofs is also used in some American English, particularly in technical contexts.
To move or travel on foot, especially in an energetic or hurried manner.
"We hoofed it to the nearest station when the train was delayed."
Informal; chiefly used in the expression 'hoof it.'
Hooves is the standard plural in general British and American English. The form hoofs is also used in some American English, especially in specialized or technical contexts.
"The horses stood quietly, their hooves shifting in the straw."
The plural hooves breaks from the usual -s pattern, making it one of the memorable oddities of English spelling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How hoof is actually used
The singular is hoof and the standard plural is hooves. The form hoofs is also used in some American English, especially in specialized or technical contexts, but hooves is the usual general plural. The verb sense is informal.