pony

noun

po·​ny ˈpō-nē 

plural ponies

1

a

: a small horse

especially : one of any of several breeds of very small stocky animals noted for their gentleness and endurance

b

: a bronco, mustang, or similar horse of the western U.S.

c

: racehorse

—usually used in plural

2

: something smaller than standard: such as

a

: a small beer glass

b

: a small liqueur glass typically holding one ounce

3

: a literal translation of a foreign language text

especially : one used surreptitiously by students in preparing or reciting lessons

Examples of pony in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The blocks are teeming with rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, pigs, ponies, raccoons, and sundry other critters. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2024

There’s an appealing dissonance between the look of the stubby pony and the performer’s potent pipes, which seem better suited for soulful rock tunes than vapid pop. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 17 May 2024

And there are, of course, many more and better uses for $400 million than a nicer place to bet on the ponies. —Stephen J. K. Walters, Baltimore Sun, 21 Mar. 2024

Other animals working in liberty formation at Circus World will include camels, llamas and ponies. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete French poulenet, diminutive of French poulain colt, from Old French pulain, perhaps from Medieval Latin pullamen young animal, from Latin pullus — more at foal

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pony

• cow pony
• dog and pony show
• one-trick pony
• pony express
• pony up
• Shetland pony
• Welsh mountain pony
• Welsh pony

Kids Definition

pony

noun

po·​ny ˈpō-nē 

plural ponies

1

: a small horse

especially : a horse of any of several breeds of very small compact animals

2

: a word-for-word translation of a foreign language text