hoofbeat

[hoo f-beet, hoof-]

noun

the sound made by an animal's hoof in walking, running, etc.

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 of hoofbeat

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.).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper