ENGLISH
REFERENCE

filly

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈfɪɫi// UK //fˈɪli// fil·ly Archaic

n. a young female horse, usually under four years old. You use this word when talking about horses before they are fully grown.

n. a young female horse, typically under the age of four. Often used in the context of horse racing or breeding to distinguish from a colt.


SIMPLE

The young filly runs across the field with her mother.

CONTEXTUAL

The breeder decided to keep the filly for future racing because of her impressive speed and lineage.

COMPLEX

In the world of professional horse racing, a talented filly may compete against her male counterparts in certain stakes races before reaching full maturity.

Origin

From Old Norse fylja (whence Danish føl), related to foal. Cognate with Dutch veulen, German Fohlen.

Usage

Commonly used in equestrian and agricultural contexts; the term 'colt' is the male equivalent.

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