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 pony continues his slow walk, moving across the High Street and down the passage alongside the greetings card shop, stopping to nuzzle something in a dustbin along the way. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

Cops contacted the animal rescue workers, who said on Facebook the cargo included 30 birds, four shepherd-breed dogs, a bull and a pony. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 June 2024

For many of us, the model is the quintessential American pony car, whether dressed as a Ford, a Shelby, a Roush, or whichever ’Stang is on its grille. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 14 June 2024

Although the Cary style is not new, the sleek pony hair in wine is. —Gab Waller, Vogue, 12 June 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