noun

dobbin

DO-bihn

Dobbin (noun) means an old, worn-out or slow-moving horse, especially a workhorse. Example: “The farmer led old Dobbin back to the stable for the night.”

noun

An old, worn-out or slow-moving horse, especially a workhorse.

"The farmer led old Dobbin back to the stable for the night."

A generic pet name for a workhorse, used the way "John Doe" stands in for an average person.

"In old fables, the farm horse is often just called Dobbin."

How to use dobbin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned, slightly affectionate word for a plodding workhorse.

When to use it

Old-fashioned and rural in tone; rarely used outside of stories or jokes today.

Common pairings

old Dobbin a faithful dobbin

Word forms

dobbins plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “dobbin” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer led old _____ back to the stable for the night.

Etymology

From Dobbin, a traditional common name given to workhorses in English-speaking farming communities.

Synonyms

View more →

farm horse

Frequently asked questions

What does “dobbin” mean?

The word “dobbin” means an old, worn-out or slow-moving horse, especially a workhorse. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, slightly affectionate word for a plodding workhorse.

How do you pronounce “dobbin”?

“Dobbin” is pronounced DO-bihn (/ˈdɑbɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “dobbin” in a sentence?

Here is “dobbin” used in a sentence: “The farmer led old Dobbin back to the stable for the night.”

What part of speech is “dobbin”?

“Dobbin” is a noun.

How many meanings does “dobbin” have?

“Dobbin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old, worn-out or slow-moving horse, especially a workhorse.