gait

American  

[geyt] / geɪt /

noun

1. a manner of walking, stepping, or running.

   Synonyms:

   carriage, bearing, stride, step, walk

2. any of the manners in which a horse moves, as a walk, trot, canter, gallop, or rack.

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verb (used with object)

1. to teach a specified gait or gaits to (a horse).

gait British  

/ ɡeɪt /

noun

1. manner of walking or running; bearing

2. (used esp of horses and dogs) the pattern of footsteps at various speeds, as the walk, trot, canter, etc, each pattern being distinguished by a particular rhythm and footfall

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verb

1. (tr) to teach (a horse) a particular gait

Usage

What does gait mean? Gait means the way a person or animal walks or runs. Gait is often used in the context of horses and show dogs when analyzing how they walk, trot, and run. The human gait is studied in medicine and in sports like running. Gait can also be used as a verb meaning to teach a horse a particular gait. Example: You can tell that his gait is affected by a limp.

Etymology

Origin of gait

1500–10; Scots, Middle English spelling variant of gate ¹ in various senses

Explanation

Some people have a very distinct gait, or manner of walking or running, which allows you to recognize them from far away. Walking with two legs is a pretty straightforward task, so most of us (with the exception of runners) don’t think about our own gait very often. However, when four legs are involved, the definition of gait becomes more complex. In horseback riding, gait is used to refer to the particular sequence or pattern of footsteps that the horse is using. Well-known gaits include the trot, the gallop, and the canter.

Example Sentences

However, as his gait got worse, his darts got even better - and it seems possible that his way of dealing with the pain in his ankle backstage ended up being an advantage.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Investigators believe someone will recognize the intruder through their clothing, gait or appearance, giving the case crucial momentum after days with few leads.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

A belabored gait might mean he was carrying a stack of thick envelopes, the sort that indicate acceptance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Along with others, I noticed his unsteady gait.

From Salon • Nov. 14, 2025

Her feet are turned backward, giving her an odd gait.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Related Words

• bearing