noun
Common
pony
POH-nee
Pony (noun) means a small breed of horse, typically under about 14 hands high. Example: “The kids took turns riding the pony at the fair.”
noun
1
A small breed of horse, typically under about 14 hands high.
"The kids took turns riding the pony at the fair."
"She's wanted her own pony since she was five."
"The shaggy little pony trotted happily around the paddock."
verb
1
To pay up, especially informally (usually "pony up").
"You'll have to pony up if you want a share of the winnings."
"Everyone had to pony up a few pounds for the leaving present."
"Come on, pony up, it's your turn to buy the coffees!"
How to use pony
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small horse; informally, to pay money owed ("pony up").
Common pairings
pony up
ride a pony
pony ride
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- ponies
- Past tense
- ponied
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The kids took turns riding the _____ at the fair.
Etymology
From Scots powny, ultimately from Late Latin pullanus, "young animal," related to pullus. First recorded in English in 1659.
Class of 1659
pony joined the language around 1659.
See the full Class of 1659 →
Related words
Rhymes for pony
See all rhymes for pony →Frequently asked questions
What does “pony” mean?
The word “pony” means a small breed of horse, typically under about 14 hands high. In plain terms, a small horse; informally, to pay money owed ("pony up").
How do you pronounce “pony”?
“Pony” is pronounced POH-nee (/ˈpoʊni/ in IPA).
How do you use “pony” in a sentence?
Here is “pony” used in a sentence: “The kids took turns riding the pony at the fair.”
What part of speech is “pony”?
Depending on how it is used, “pony” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pony” come from?
The word “pony” dates back to around 1659 and comes from Late Latin. From Scots powny, ultimately from Late Latin pullanus, "young animal," related to pullus. First recorded in English in 1659.
Is “pony” a common word?
“Pony” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pony” have?
“Pony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small breed of horse, typically under about 14 hands high.
What is the difference between a pony and a horse?
A pony is a small breed of horse, typically under about 14 hands high, while horse is the broader term covering all sizes and breeds. Ponies are also generally known for sturdier builds relative to their height compared to full-sized horses.
What does it mean to pony up?
To pony up means to pay up, especially informally, such as contributing money owed or expected. It is a casual expression rather than formal financial language.
Is pony up formal or informal?
Pony up is an informal expression, appropriate for casual conversation but not for formal writing, where phrases like pay or contribute would be preferred.
