hoofbeat

American  

[hoof-beet, hoof-] / ˈhʊfˌbit, ˈhuf- /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of hoofbeat

First recorded in 1840–50; hoof + beat

Example Sentences

The last hoofbeat evaporated in the autumn air.

From Slate • May 15, 2019

In winter when the ground was frozen, the rattle of wheels and each distinct hoofbeat punctuated the winter quiet.

From "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong

The general suddenly paused at the familiar sound of Traveler's hoofbeat.

From The Man in Gray by Dixon, Thomas

She could hear the pounding of the steer's hoofs, and less distinctly the pattering hoofbeat of the pony.

From The Main Chance by Nicholson, Meredith

I only know that at the most critical moment we heard from the left a horse's hoofbeat, rushing at a gallop and a few minutes later that second battery went silent, when it was conquered.

From My First Battle A Sergeant's Story by O'Regan, Jimmy