horseback

1 of 3

noun

horse·​back ˈhȯrs-ˌbak How to pronounce horseback (audio)
Synonyms of horsebacknext
: the back of a horse

horseback

2 of 3

adverb

: on horseback

horseback

3 of 3

adjective

: given without thorough consideration
a horseback opinion

Examples of horseback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Redford first rode horseback on screen in the 1969 classic Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 Three Fall Must-Dos Hike, bike, ride horseback, or stay overnight in Brown County State Park. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Go horseback riding Another activity that brought out my adventurous side was horseback riding. — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 7 Dec. 2025 Regulation possible moving forward While horseback riding companies and scientists may not agree on how harmful horse manure is, both sides see a possibility for compromise on regulation. — Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for horseback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1727, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horseback was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing horseback

Rhymes for horseback

See All Rhymes for horseback

Browse Nearby Words

horse around
horseback
horsebacker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Horseback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horseback. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

horseback

1 of 2 noun
horse·​back ˈhȯrs-ˌbak How to pronounce horseback (audio)
: the back of a horse

horseback

2 of 2 adverb
: on horseback

More from Merriam-Webster on horseback

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for horseback

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