manger

¹ American  

[meyn-jer] / ˈmeɪn dʒər /

noun

1. a box or trough in a stable or barn from which horses or cattle eat.

2. Nautical.

   1. a space at the bow of a ship, having a partition for confining water entering at the hawseholes until it can be drained.

   2. a sunken bottom in a chain locker, covered by a grating and used to collect water from the anchor chain.

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Manger ² American  

[meyn-jer] / ˈmeɪn dʒər /

noun

Astronomy.

1. Praesepe.

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manger British  

/ ˈmeɪndʒə /

noun

1. a trough or box in a stable, barn, etc, from which horses or cattle feed

2. nautical a basin-like construction in the bows of a vessel for catching water draining from an anchor rode or coming in through the hawseholes

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manger Idioms  

1. see dog in the manger.

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Etymology

Origin of manger¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French maingeure, derivative of mangier to eat < Latin mandūcāre to chew, eat. See manducate

Origin of Manger²

1545–55; as translation of Latin praesēpe

Example Sentences

“All they’re missing are the manger and the three wise men,” the preacher quipped.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Variant was founded in 2009 by the now CIO of asset manger Prevatt Capital, Jonathan Tepper, under a belief that “robust, repeatable tools work better than gurus with crystal balls.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

This time of year depictions of the Baby Jesus in a manger are everywhere as a commercial cue, an object of worship, as a depiction of the essence of innocence.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2024

These wise men, or magi, will eventually arrive at the manger on Jan. 6, also known as Epiphany or Three Kings Day.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2024

A manger scene was set up at the left side of the altar.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy