nicker
1 Americannoun
verb
-
(of a horse) to neigh softly
-
to laugh quietly; snigger
noun
Etymology
Origin of nicker1
First recorded in 1660–70; nick + -er 1
Origin of nicker2
First recorded in 1785–95; apparently variant of nicher, neigher, frequentative of neigh; -er 6
Origin of nicker3
First recorded in 1875–80; perhaps special use of nicker 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Siren nickered again, and I seemed to hear the answering nicker of another horse, far off.
From Literature
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With her small ears pointing straight up, she looked at me and nickered.
From Literature
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Dodger gave her the quiet little nicker he saved just for her, and Akira smiled.
From Literature
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Instantly, Carmen felt calmer as she breathed in the smell of hay and horses and heard the loud nicker of hello from Rosie.
From Literature
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Alsvindr nickered at her from his lean-to barn as she passed it.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.