Foal Meaning and Definition
Foal
Pronunciation
/foʊl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A young horse, especially in its first year of life, typically between birth and weaning.
Examples
- The foal took its first steps on shaky legs.
- The mare gave birth to a healthy foal.
Etymology
The word “foal” comes from Old English “fōl”, related to Germanic “*fuliz” and possibly also to Gothic “*fuliz”, ultimately from Proto-Germanic “*fuliz”.
Usage Notes
When referring to a young horse, it is common to use “foal” as a singular noun, and “foals” as a plural. In certain contexts, such as in equine breeding or veterinary care, the term “foal” may be used to describe a horse of any age, especially if it is still under the care of its mother.
Cultural References
The term “foal” has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the book “The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley, the protagonist is a young horse known as the Black Stallion, which is also referred to as a foal.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “On the foal” is an idiomatic expression meaning to take care of a young horse.
Related Words or Phrases
- Colt (a male horse in its first year of life)
- Filly (a female horse in its first year of life)
Collocations
- Foal and mare
- Foal and stallion
- Foal and pasture
Frequency of Use
The term “foal” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in the context of equine breeding, veterinary care, and horse racing.
Common Misspellings
- Foul
- Food