noun
Uncommon
stud
stuhd
Stud (noun) means a male animal, especially a horse, kept specifically for breeding. Example: “The farm keeps a champion stud for breeding thoroughbreds.”
noun
1
A male animal, especially a horse, kept specifically for breeding.
"The farm keeps a champion stud for breeding thoroughbreds."
"The stallion was retired from racing and became a stud at a local farm."
"Breeders paid a high fee to use the famous stud."
2
A small decorative piece, such as an earring or a metal fastener, that sits flush against a surface.
"She wore small diamond studs to the interview."
"He lost one of his silver ear studs on the beach."
"The leather jacket had metal studs along the shoulders."
3
A vertical wooden or metal support post used in the framing of a wall.
"The electrician had to find a stud before drilling into the wall."
"We nailed the plasterboard to each stud in the frame."
"A strong stud is needed to hold a heavy shelf on a wall."
How to use stud
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHas several distinct senses: a breeding animal, a small stud earring, or a wall-framing post — context makes clear which is meant.
Common pairings
stud earrings
wall stud
stud farm
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Word forms
- Plural
- studs
- Third person singular
- studs
- Past tense
- studded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The farm keeps a champion _____ for breeding thoroughbreds.
Etymology
From Old English stod, related to Old Norse stod — originally referring to a herd of horses kept for breeding.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “stud” mean?
The word “stud” means a male animal, especially a horse, kept specifically for breeding. In plain terms, has several distinct senses: a breeding animal, a small stud earring, or a wall-framing post — context makes clear which is meant.
How do you pronounce “stud”?
“Stud” is pronounced stuhd (/stʌd/ in IPA).
How do you use “stud” in a sentence?
Here is “stud” used in a sentence: “The farm keeps a champion stud for breeding thoroughbreds.”
What part of speech is “stud”?
“Stud” is a noun.
Where does the word “stud” come from?
The word “stud” comes from Old English. From Old English stod, related to Old Norse stod — originally referring to a herd of horses kept for breeding.
Is “stud” a common word?
“Stud” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stud” have?
“Stud” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male animal, especially a horse, kept specifically for breeding.
What is the difference between a stud earring and a regular earring?
A stud earring sits flush against the ear with a small decorative piece and a simple post fastener, unlike dangle or hoop earrings which hang or loop away from the earlobe. The term stud specifically refers to this flush, close-fitting style.
What does 'stud' mean in construction or wall framing?
In construction, a stud is a vertical wooden or metal support post used within the framing of a wall, spaced at regular intervals to hold up drywall or other surfaces and support the structure. Studs are typically located using a stud finder before hanging heavy items.
What does 'stud' mean when referring to an animal?
A stud refers to a male animal, especially a horse, that is kept specifically for breeding purposes rather than for riding or work. A facility that houses such animals is often called a stud farm.
