hoss

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Pronunciation spelling of horse.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

"Them hosses are feeling their oats," said McGuire. "Can't tell what they'd be up to the minute I turned my back on 'em. Might jump that old fence and be off, for all I know."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A big, strong and respected or dependable person, usually a man; one who is large like a horse.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Term of address for a man.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “hoss” mean?

Pronunciation spelling of horse.

Is “hoss” formal or informal?

hoss is generally slang.