What does lope mean?
Lope means to run with a long, relaxed, bounding stride, and it can also name this graceful running pace. The word is especially associated with horses and other animals moving across open ground, though it can describe a person running in an unforced, jaunty manner. A lope is slower and more leisurely than a gallop, making the term useful for conveying both movement and a distinctive, composed rhythm. In figurative use, to lope can suggest carefree progress or a confident, relaxed stride. As a noun, lope is less common and usually appears in phrases such as breaking into a lope or moving at a lope. The word belongs mainly to descriptive and literary English, rather than formal administrative or technical registers.
To move with a long, relaxed, bounding stride.
"The greyhounds loped along the edge of the field."
Descriptive and somewhat literary; often used of animals.
A running pace characterized by long, easy strides.
"The rider slowed the horse from a lope to a walk."
Less common than the verb and chiefly used when describing a distinctive running gait.
The plural is used when referring to separate running gaits or instances of running in this manner.
"The young foals raced in quick, uneven lopes across the field."
A lope is the elegant middle ground between a hurried gallop and a quiet walk: running that looks almost leisurely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lope come from?
The word comes from Middle English lopen, meaning to run or move quickly. It is generally related to Old Norse hlaupa, meaning to run or leap, and to the Germanic root behind English words such as leap. The modern form developed into both a verb describing a running gait and a noun naming that pace.
Related word forms
How lope is actually used
Lope is more literary or descriptive than the everyday words run and jog. It suggests a relaxed but rhythmic movement and is especially common in writing about animals and horses.
Easily confused with lope
To lope is to move with a long, relaxed running stride, whereas to elope is to leave with a lover, usually secretly.
A lope is a running gait or pace, while a loop is a closed curve or an enclosed passage.