hoofbeat
noun
hoof·beat ˈhu̇f-ˌbēt 
ˈhüf-
: the sound of a hoof striking a hard surface (such as the ground)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The next morning, Santa will deliver gifts from a real sleigh drawn by brother draft horses Pete and Repeat, their hoofbeats muffled by glittering, fresh white snow. 
Candice Yacono, Orange County Register, 29 July 2019 Most of us rarely do this, unless moved by a desire to mimic the hoofbeats of a horse, but Charlie Graham (Milly Shapiro), a non-smiling girl of thirteen, klokks with unnerving frequency. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 7 June 2018 These are the most familiar hoofbeats, those made by horses. Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 29 June 2017 The hurried hoofbeats of gods, riding atop the backs of beasts. Demi Adejuyigbe, The New Yorker, 30 May 2017
Candice Yacono, Orange County Register, 29 July 2019 Most of us rarely do this, unless moved by a desire to mimic the hoofbeats of a horse, but Charlie Graham (Milly Shapiro), a non-smiling girl of thirteen, klokks with unnerving frequency. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 7 June 2018 These are the most familiar hoofbeats, those made by horses. Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 29 June 2017 The hurried hoofbeats of gods, riding atop the backs of beasts. Demi Adejuyigbe, The New Yorker, 30 May 2017 Word History
First Known Use
1847, in the meaning defined above