# bareback

/bˈeəbæk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bareback
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

riding a horse without a saddle. It can also describe having sex without using a condom.

For teachers: riding a horse without a saddle; by extension, engaging in sexual intercourse without the use of a condom. Often used in informal or specific subcultural contexts.

## Examples

- He prefers to ride bareback because it feels more natural.
- The cowboy spent the afternoon riding bareback across the plains to check on the cattle.
- While some riders find the direct contact of bareback riding more intuitive, it requires a high degree of physical coordination and a deep understanding of the horse's movements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.