noun
canter
KAN-tuh
Canter (noun) means a horse's gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. Example: “The rider eased the horse into a smooth canter.”
noun
1
A horse's gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop.
"The rider eased the horse into a smooth canter."
verb
1
To move, or to ride a horse, at this gait.
"They cantered along the beach at sunset."
How to use canter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA horse's gait faster than a trot but slower than a gallop, or to ride at that pace.
Easily confused with
center →
canter (cantor)
Common pairings
break into a canter
canter along
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Word forms
- Plural
- canters
- Third person singular
- canters
- Past tense
- cantered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The rider eased the horse into a smooth _____.
Etymology
Short for "Canterbury pace," referring to the supposedly gentle pace of medieval pilgrims riding to Canterbury.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for canter
See all rhymes for canter →Frequently asked questions
What does “canter” mean?
The word “canter” means a horse's gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop. In plain terms, a horse's gait faster than a trot but slower than a gallop, or to ride at that pace.
How do you pronounce “canter”?
“Canter” is pronounced KAN-tuh (/ˈkæn.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “canter” in a sentence?
Here is “canter” used in a sentence: “The rider eased the horse into a smooth canter.”
What is another word for “canter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “canter” include lope.
What part of speech is “canter”?
Depending on how it is used, “canter” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “canter” have?
“Canter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a horse's gait that is faster than a trot but slower than a gallop.
