# trot

/ˈtɹɑt/ (US) · /tɹˈɒt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trot
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to move at a speed between walking and running. When an animal like a horse does this, it moves its legs in pairs.

For teachers: to move at a pace faster than a walk, characterised by a rhythmic two-beat gait in quadrupeds where diagonal pairs of legs move together.

## Examples

- The horse began to trot across the field.
- The pony began to trot as soon as it saw the stable, eager for its evening meal.
- The rider maintained a steady trot throughout the morning, covering several miles of forest trail before the midday heat became too intense for the animals.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive when describing the movement itself; can be used transitively when a rider 'trots' a horse.

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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.