gallop
GAL-uhp
/ˈɡæl.əp/
The fastest four-beat gait of a horse; or to run or progress at top speed.
Represents maximum equine speed with a moment where all four feet leave the ground.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'galoper', borrowed from Frankish 'wala runn', meaning 'to run well'. The expression captured the swift, fluid movement of warhorses surging across open terrain.
Word relationships
- sprint: 'Sprint' applies generally to human running or racing, whereas 'gallop' specifically describes four-beat quadrupeds.
- walk: 'Walk' is the slowest, four-beat marching gait of a horse.
Commonly confused with
- canter: 'Canter' is a controlled three-beat gait, whereas 'gallop' is a fast, maximum-speed four-beat gait.
Word family
- galloping (adjective): Moving at full speed; rapidly increasing (e.g., galloping inflation).
Collocations
- full gallop
- break into a gallop
- gallop away
- at a gallop
Idioms & expressions
- at a gallop (very fast or hastily)
Example sentences
- "The thoroughbred galloped down the stretch, winning the derby by three full lengths." Horse Racing
- "Technology is advancing at a gallop, forcing regulators to update policy rapidly." Metaphorical Usage
Memory hook
GALs and guys hop on and GALLOP away fast. TOP HORSE SPEED = GALLOP
When not to use
Do not use for controlled, moderate riding gaits like walking, trotting, or cantering.
Fun facts
- During a full gallop, there is a fraction of a second where all four hooves are completely airborne simultaneously.
Related words
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