filly

[fil-ee]

noun

plural

fillies 

1. a young female horse.

2. Informal.,  a girl or young woman.

filly

/ ˈfɪlɪ /

noun

1. a female horse or pony under the age of four

2. informal,  a spirited girl or young woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of filly¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English fyly, from Old Norse fyla “female, foal”; foal

Word History and Origins

Origin of filly¹

C15: from Old Norse fylja ; related to Old High German fulihha ; see _foal

Example Sentences

It was not a popular win as Codex beat Derby-winning filly Genuine Risk and then had to withstand an inquiry to officially give Lukas his first Triple Crown win.

From Los Angeles Times

Eclipse also has Fondly running in the Kentucky Oaks, the filly version of the Derby, for Motion.

From Los Angeles Times

Saturday was also the last big qualifying day for the Kentucky Oaks, the 3-year-old filly version of the Kentucky Derby.

From Los Angeles Times

He also has Thorpedo Anna, a filly who won six of seven races this year including the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

From Los Angeles Times

Saturday’s win helped both claim rare weekend sweeps of the Derby and Kentucky Oaks for fillies.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• colt 
• mare 
• stallion