Explanation at your level:
A mare is a horse. It is a girl horse. It is an adult. It is not a baby horse. You can see a mare on a farm. She is big and strong. If you see a horse that is a girl, you can say 'Look at that mare!'
A mare is an adult female horse. In English, we have different names for horses. A young female is a filly, but when she grows up, she becomes a mare. Farmers and horse riders use this word to describe the horses they work with every day.
The term mare is essential if you are interested in animals. It specifically refers to a female horse over the age of three or four. Using this word helps distinguish the animal from a stallion, which is an adult male. It is a standard term used in both casual conversation and professional horse care.
In equestrian circles, the word mare is the standard terminology for a mature female horse. It is important to note that the term is distinct from 'filly', which is reserved for younger females. Understanding these gender-specific terms is a hallmark of someone who is knowledgeable about equine care and breeding.
The noun mare serves as a precise biological and agricultural classification. Beyond its literal meaning, it is frequently used in breeding contexts, such as the term 'broodmare'. While the word itself is straightforward, its usage reflects a deeper cultural relationship between humans and equines, particularly in the history of agriculture and sport.
Etymologically, mare shares roots with various Germanic languages, reflecting the historical importance of the horse in European society. While the term is largely functional in modern English, it carries a specific weight in literary and historical contexts where the distinction between gendered equines was vital for social and economic status. Mastery of this term requires understanding not just the biological definition, but the nuances of its application in breeding, racing, and historical husbandry.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Mare is an adult female horse.
- It is a standard, neutral term.
- It rhymes with 'care'.
- Used in farming and sport.
When you are learning about horses, you will quickly notice that English has specific names for them based on their age and gender. A mare is simply the term we use for an adult female horse. It is a very important word for horse lovers and farmers alike.
Think of it as the female equivalent of a stallion. If you see a horse in a field, you might wonder if it is a boy or a girl. If it is a grown female, you can confidently call her a mare. It is a precise word that helps us communicate clearly about animals.
The word mare has a very long history. It comes from the Old English word mere, which meant a female horse. It is related to the Old Saxon mieri and the Old High German marha.
Interestingly, the root of this word is linked to the Proto-Indo-European word marko-, which just meant 'horse'. This is also where we get the word 'marshal', which originally meant a 'horse servant' or 'stable keeper'. It is fascinating to see how a simple word for a horse has traveled through so many languages to reach us today.
You will mostly hear the word mare used in equestrian sports, farming, and biology. It is a standard term, so it is neither slang nor overly formal; it is just the correct name for the animal.
People often combine it with other words to describe the horse's personality or job. For example, you might hear someone talk about a broodmare, which is a mare used specifically for breeding. Using the right term shows that you know your way around horses!
While 'mare' is a specific animal, it appears in a few interesting ways. 1. Nightmare: A scary dream (the 'mare' here actually comes from a different root meaning a demon). 2. Mare's nest: A discovery that turns out to be a hoax. 3. Broodmare: A mare kept for breeding. 4. Mare's tail: A type of wispy, high-altitude cloud. 5. Dark horse: While not using the word mare, it is often used in the same context of horse racing.
The word mare is a regular noun. To make it plural, you just add an 's' to get mares. It is a countable noun, so you can say 'a mare' or 'three mares'.
In terms of pronunciation, it rhymes with 'care', 'fair', and 'bear'. In both British and American English, the IPA is /mɛər/. The stress is on the single syllable, making it very easy to pronounce once you get the vowel sound right.
Fun Fact
Related to the word 'marshal', which started as a horse servant.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'air' with an 'm'
Sounds like 'air' with an 'm'
Common Errors
- Confusing with 'mayor'
- Mispronouncing the vowel
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy
Very easy
Very easy
Very easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
one mare, two mares
Articles
a mare, the mare
Subject-Verb Agreement
The mare runs.
Examples by Level
The mare is eating grass.
mare = female horse
Subject + verb
I see a brown mare.
brown = color
Adjective + noun
The mare is happy.
happy = feeling
Simple sentence
My mare is big.
my = possession
Possessive adjective
Look at the mare!
look = see
Imperative
A mare is a horse.
is = state
Definition
The mare runs fast.
runs = movement
Verb usage
That is my mare.
that = demonstrative
Demonstrative
The mare is in the stable.
She rides her mare every day.
The mare has a small foal.
That mare is very fast.
We brushed the mare's coat.
The mare won the race.
Is that your mare?
The mare is resting now.
The breeder selected the best mare for the program.
She is an experienced mare with a calm temperament.
The mare and her foal are doing well.
It is important to provide the mare with enough food.
The vet checked the mare this morning.
He has been training that mare for years.
The mare showed signs of fatigue after the show.
They keep their mare in a large paddock.
As a broodmare, she has produced several champion horses.
The mare exhibited a protective instinct toward her foal.
Handling a mare requires patience and understanding.
The competition was open to any mare over four years old.
She is a beautiful mare with a unique coat pattern.
The mare's performance in the dressage event was flawless.
Many owners prefer the temperament of a mare.
The mare was retired from racing last season.
The mare’s pedigree is impeccable, tracing back to several winners.
Selective breeding of the mare is crucial for the farm's future.
Despite her age, the mare remains a formidable competitor.
The mare's behavior changed significantly during the breeding season.
He has a deep respect for the mare as a working animal.
The mare’s lineage is well-documented in the studbook.
Managing a mare in a herd requires careful observation.
The mare stood stoically as the storm passed over the pasture.
The mare’s conformation was judged to be near perfect by the panel.
Her career as a broodmare was marked by consistent success.
The mare’s presence in the paddock commanded immediate attention.
In the annals of horse racing, this mare remains a legend.
The mare displayed a remarkable intelligence in navigating the course.
Her role as the lead mare in the herd was undisputed.
The mare’s vitality belied her advancing years.
He spoke of the mare with a reverence reserved for a trusted companion.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"nightmare"
A very bad dream
I had a nightmare last night.
neutral"mare's nest"
A discovery that is a hoax
The report turned out to be a mare's nest.
formal"mare's tail"
A type of wispy cloud
The sky is full of mare's tails today.
neutral"a horse of a different color"
Something completely different
That is a horse of a different color.
idiomatic"hold your horses"
Wait a moment
Hold your horses, we aren't ready yet!
casual"straight from the horse's mouth"
From the original source
I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
casualEasily Confused
Sounds similar
Mayor is a person; Mare is a horse
The mayor visited the farm to see the mare.
Both are female
Filly is young; Mare is adult
The filly will grow into a mare.
Both are horses
Stallion is male; Mare is female
The stallion and the mare are in the field.
Includes the word
It is an idiom, not a horse
The rumor was just a mare's nest.
Sentence Patterns
The mare is [adjective]
The mare is calm.
The mare has a [noun]
The mare has a foal.
I saw a [adjective] mare
I saw a beautiful mare.
The mare is [verb]ing
The mare is running.
The mare, [description], is [verb]
The mare, my favorite horse, is resting.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Relacionado
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
A mare must be an adult.
Mare is strictly female.
Different spelling and meaning.
It only applies to equines.
It follows standard plural rules.
Tips
M for Mother
Remember M for Mare, M for Mother.
Equestrian Context
Use it when talking about breeding.
Farm Life
Learn horse terms to talk to farmers.
Pluralization
Just add 's'.
Rhyme Time
Think of 'air'.
Not a Mayor
Don't confuse with city leaders.
Old Roots
It's a very old word.
Flashcards
Draw a horse on your card.
Be Precise
Use 'filly' for young ones.
Racing
Mares race too!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
M-are is a M-other horse.
Visual Association
A mother horse standing in a field.
Word Web
Desafío
Describe a horse you have seen.
Origen de la palabra
Old English
Original meaning: female horse
Contexto cultural
None
Commonly used in rural areas and horse-related sports.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at the farm
- The mare is in the stable
- Feed the mare
- Groom the mare
at a horse show
- The mare performed well
- Look at that mare's gait
- The mare won the ribbon
breeding
- The mare is pregnant
- She is a good broodmare
- The mare's foal is healthy
riding
- I love riding this mare
- She is a gentle mare
- The mare is easy to handle
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever ridden a mare?"
"Do you know the difference between a mare and a filly?"
"Why do you think people choose to ride mares?"
"What is your favorite type of horse?"
"Have you ever visited a horse farm?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a horse you have seen.
Why are specific names for animals important?
Write a short story about a mare and her foal.
What would you name a mare if you had one?
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasA mare can be a pony if she is small, but 'mare' refers to gender, not size.
No, a mare is specifically female.
A baby female is called a filly.
Usually over 3 or 4 years old.
It is common among horse owners.
M-A-R-E.
No, it rhymes with 'air'.
No, only the females.
Ponte a prueba
The ___ is eating.
Mare is the female horse.
What is a mare?
A mare is a female horse.
A mare is a young horse.
A mare is an adult.
Word
Significado
Gender terms.
Subject-verb-adjective.
Puntuación: /5
Summary
A mare is simply an adult female horse, distinct from stallions and fillies.
- Mare is an adult female horse.
- It is a standard, neutral term.
- It rhymes with 'care'.
- Used in farming and sport.
M for Mother
Remember M for Mare, M for Mother.
Equestrian Context
Use it when talking about breeding.
Farm Life
Learn horse terms to talk to farmers.
Pluralization
Just add 's'.
Ejemplo
The mare gave birth to a foal.
Related Content
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Gramática relacionada
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de Animals
beast
A1Es un animal grande y fuerte, especialmente si es peligroso o salvaje.
predators
B1Son animales que cazan a otros para comer. Son importantes para el equilibrio de la naturaleza.
perilabency
C1Perilabency refers to the act or habitual tendency of licking around an object, most specifically the lips. It is an obscure term often used in technical, biological, or clinical descriptions of oral behavior.
goose
B1A large water bird with a long neck, short legs, webbed feet, and a broad bill, typically larger than a duck and smaller than a swan. It can also refer to the meat of this bird or, informally, a foolish or silly person.
boar
B2A boar is a wild pig or an uncastrated male domestic pig, typically known for its thick hair, tusks, and aggressive nature. In ecological terms, it often refers to the wild species (Sus scrofa) found in forests across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
mite
B1Un ácaro es un animalito muy pequeño, a menudo invisible, que puede vivir en el polvo o en otros seres vivos.
mites
B1Son unos arácnidos muy pequeños, como arañas diminutas. Viven en el polvo o en las plantas.
antiarchal
C1A member of the extinct order Antiarchi, which were heavily armored placoderm fish that lived during the Devonian period. They are primarily distinguished by their strange, jointed pectoral fins that resemble arthropod limbs and their box-like thoracic armor.
winged
B1Algo que tiene alas y puede volar con ellas.
firefly
B1Es un insecto pequeño que brilla por la noche en verano. Su luz es mágica y sirve para comunicarse.
