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hoofbeat

[hoo f-beet, hoof-]
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noun
  1. the sound made by an animal's hoof in walking, running, etc.
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Origin of hoofbeat

First recorded in 1840–50; hoof + beat
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hoofbeat

Historical Examples

  • The hoofbeat came a third time, a little nearer, and then no more.

    The Shades of the Wilderness

    Joseph A. Altsheler

Word Origin and History for hoofbeat

n.

also hoof-beat, 1821, from hoof (n.) + beat (n.).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper