saddle sore

noun

1
: a gall or open sore developing on the back of a horse at points of pressure from an ill-fitting or ill-adjusted saddle
2
: an irritation or sore on parts of the rider chafed by the saddle

Examples of saddle sore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During the 2018 California L'Eroica, Bike Snob NYC braved saddle sores and a single pizza-size gear on a century-old Mead Ranger—all in an attempt to prove that bike technology hasn't gotten that much better. Outside Online, 12 June 2018 Take saddle sores, which aren’t limited to horse riders. Christine Ro, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2018 Additionally, having handlebar height lower than seat height increased the odds of genital numbness and saddle sores. Maureen Salamon, chicagotribune.com, 19 Jan. 2018 After breaking his right big toe during practice in late October, Williams spent so much time on a stationary bike the guy probably battled saddle sores. Don Norcross, sandiegouniontribune.com, 22 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'saddle sore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of saddle sore was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near saddle sore

Cite this Entry

“Saddle sore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saddle%20sore. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

saddle sore

noun
1
: a sore on the back of a horse caused by an ill-fitting or improperly adjusted saddle
2
: an irritation or sore on parts of the rider's body caused by rubbing against the saddle
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