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
1
An old, worn-out or slow-moving horse, especially a workhorse.
"The farmer led old Dobbin back to the stable for the night."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- dobbins
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 →Related words
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.
