# gelding

/ɡˈɛldɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gelding
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a male horse that has been castrated. This makes the horse calmer and easier to handle for many tasks.

For teachers: a male horse that has been castrated. The term is also applied to other castrated male animals, such as bulls or rams, though it is most commonly associated with equine contexts.

## Examples

- The farmer prefers using a gelding for heavy farm work.
- Because he was a gelding, the horse was much more docile and easier for the young riders to manage during the lesson.
- While stallions are often chosen for their athletic prowess and breeding potential, many professional riders prefer geldings for their consistent temperament and reduced sensitivity to the hormonal fluctuations of the mare.

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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.