noun
Uncommon
clarence
KLA-ruhns
Clarence (noun) means a light, closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a glass front, popular in the 19th century. Example: “They arrived at the ball in a smart clarence.”
noun
1
A light, closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a glass front, popular in the 19th century.
"They arrived at the ball in a smart clarence."
"In the museum, we saw a polished clarence once used by wealthy families."
"The novel's heroine rode through the foggy streets in a hired clarence."
How to use clarence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage, now mostly seen in history books or period dramas.
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Word forms
- Plural
- clarences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They arrived at the ball in a smart _____.
Etymology
Named after the Duke of Clarence, a British royal title — the carriage style was associated with him.
Rhymes for clarence
See all rhymes for clarence →Frequently asked questions
What does “clarence” mean?
The word “clarence” means a light, closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a glass front, popular in the 19th century. In plain terms, a type of old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage, now mostly seen in history books or period dramas.
How do you pronounce “clarence”?
“Clarence” is pronounced KLA-ruhns (/ˈklæɹəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “clarence” in a sentence?
Here is “clarence” used in a sentence: “They arrived at the ball in a smart clarence.”
What part of speech is “clarence”?
“Clarence” is a noun.
Is “clarence” a common word?
“Clarence” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is a clarence carriage?
A clarence is a light, closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a glass front, popular in the 19th century. Its enclosed design offered passengers protection from the weather while still allowing visibility through the glass front.
How is a clarence different from other horse-drawn carriages?
A clarence is distinguished by being fully enclosed with a glass front, unlike open carriages, while remaining lighter than larger, heavier coaches. This made it a practical choice for everyday city travel in the 19th century.
Is the term clarence still used today?
The term clarence is now mostly historical, referring to a specific style of 19th-century horse-drawn carriage rather than any modern vehicle. It survives mainly in discussions of carriage history and antique transport.
