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Filly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A filly is a young female horse, typically under four years old. The term is used to distinguish young mares from male foals (colts) and older female horses.

filly

/ˈfɪli/ /ˈfɪli/

Definition:

A young female horse, typically under four years old.

Synonyms:

foal, mare, colt (context-dependent)

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

stallion, gelding

Common Collocations:

young filly, race filly, thoroughbred filly

Derivatives:

fillies, fillyhood

Usage Tips:

Use "filly" specifically for young female horses; avoid for mature mares or male horses.

Common Phrases:

fast as a filly, spirited filly, prize-winning filly

Etymology:

From Old Norse "fylja," meaning young female horse; related to "foal."

Examples:

  • 1. The farmer bought a lively filly for his daughter.
  • 2. The black filly won her first race easily.
  • 3. She groomed the filly every morning before school.
  • 4. The vet checked the filly’s health yesterday.

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