quarter horse

American

noun

one of a breed of strong horses developed in the U.S. for short-distance races, usually a quarter of a mile.
a horse of this breed used in herding livestock.

quarter horse British

noun

a small powerful breed of horse, originally bred for sprinting in quarter-mile races in Virginia in the late 18th century

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of quarter horse

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Danger, a chestnut quarter horse with a white blaze down his face and a deep copper coat, was born the same summer Hunter first wore an Auburn jersey.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

The track will host the All American Futurity - the richest quarter horse race - over the Labor Day weekend.

From Washington Times • Aug. 25, 2023

It’s best known for hosting what is described as the richest quarter horse race in the world — the All American Futurity.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2022

For now, her visits to Foxy, a 20-year-old quarter horse, gives her a bit of normalcy and comfort in her upended life.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2022

Akira was riding Dodger, her chestnut gelding quarter horse.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023