Hoof

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/huːf/ or /hʊf/

Definitions

• The hard, horny covering of the feet of certain animals, such as horses, deer, and cows.
• (Informal) Foot (e.g., "Get your hoofs off the table!").
• (Verb, informal) To walk or move on foot.

Usage Examples

• "The horse's hoof left deep prints in the soft ground."
• "He had to hoof it all the way home after missing the bus."

Etymology

Derived from Old English "hof," meaning the foot of a horse or similar animal.

Synonyms

• Cloven foot
• Paw (informal)
• Foot (informal, verb usage)

Antonyms

• Hand (in contrast to foot)
• Smooth surface (opposite of hard covering)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /huːf/ (commonly used) or /hʊf/
• British English: /hʊf/

Historical Usage

Historically, the term hoof has been used in various cultures to describe animals' feet and even human feet in informal language.

Cultural Nuances

The phrase "on the hoof" is often used to describe something done while moving, and "hoof it" is a common phrase meaning to walk.

More Information

Hoofs are vital for animals like horses and cows, requiring maintenance through trimming and shoeing in domesticated species. In some cultures, hoof-based products like gelatin are widely used.