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noun

gait

gayt

Gait (noun) means a person's particular manner or pattern of walking. Example: “You could recognize him from a distance just by his gait.”

noun
1
A person's particular manner or pattern of walking.
"You could recognize him from a distance just by his gait."
"The injury gave her an uneven gait."
2
One of the distinct patterns a horse uses to move, such as a walk, trot, canter, or gallop.
"The trainer taught the horse a smooth, even gait."

How to use gait

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe way someone or something (especially a horse) walks or moves.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "gate" (an entrance) — they sound alike but are unrelated in modern meaning.

Easily confused with

Word forms

gaited past tense, gaits plural, gaits plural, gaits singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

You could recognize him from a distance just by his _____.

Etymology

From an old use of "gate" meaning "way" or "manner" — the same root that gives us the word "gate" itself.

Related words

Rhymes for gait

See all rhymes for gait →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gait” mean?

The word “gait” means a person's particular manner or pattern of walking. In plain terms, the way someone or something (especially a horse) walks or moves.

How do you pronounce “gait”?

“Gait” is pronounced gayt (/ɡeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “gait” in a sentence?

Here is “gait” used in a sentence: “You could recognize him from a distance just by his gait.”

What part of speech is “gait”?

“Gait” is a noun.

How many meanings does “gait” have?

“Gait” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person's particular manner or pattern of walking.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial