ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stable

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsteɪbəɫ// UK //stˈeɪbəl// sta·ble Academic General-service Slang

n. a building where horses are kept and fed. It can also mean a group of people, like athletes or performers, who work for the same person or company.

n. a building specifically designed for the housing and feeding of horses or other livestock. By extension, it refers to a group of individuals, such as athletes, artists, or products, managed or owned by a single entity.


SIMPLE

The horses are resting in the stable after their morning run.

CONTEXTUAL

The talent agency manages a stable of young actors who are all appearing in major films this year.

COMPLEX

While the historic stable has been converted into a modern guest house, the surrounding fields still serve as a reminder of the estate's equestrian heritage.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English stable, borrowed from Anglo-Norman stable, from Latin stab(u)lum.

Etymology 2

From Middle English stable, from Anglo-Norman stable, stabel, from Latin stabilis (“firm, steadfast”) (itself from stare (“stand”) + -abilis (“able”)). Displaced native Old English staþolfæst.

Usage

Often used metaphorically to describe a collection of related items or people under one brand or manager.

Idioms1 entry

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