Filly Meaning: The Complete Definition
A thorough explanation of what a filly is, how to pronounce it, where the word comes from, and how it's used in everyday language.
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What Does Filly Mean?
A filly is a young female horse, specifically one that is under 4 years old. This is the primary and most commonly used definition of the word in equestrian contexts.
The term filly is exclusively used for female horses. Male horses of the same age group are called colts. Once a female horse reaches 4 years of age, she is no longer considered a filly and is instead called a mare.
Simple Definition: A filly is a young female horse under 4 years old.
How to Pronounce "Filly"
The word filly is pronounced as FILL-ee, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription is /ˈfɪli/.
/ˈfɪli/
FILL-ee
Filly rhymes with common words like "billie," "millie," "silly," and "willy." The short 'i' sound is the same as in "fill" or "sit."
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The Origin and Etymology of "Filly"
The word filly has an interesting history that traces back centuries. Understanding where the word comes from can help deepen your appreciation for this equine term.
Old Norse (c. 9th-11th century)
The word originates from the Old Norse fylja, meaning "female foal" or "young female horse."
Middle English (c. 11th-15th century)
Evolved into filli or fyly, maintaining the same meaning of a young female horse.
Modern English (16th century-present)
Settled into the modern spelling "filly" and has remained consistent in meaning.
Interestingly, the word filly is related to the word "foal," with both coming from Germanic roots meaning "offspring" or "young." This linguistic connection reflects the biological reality that fillies are indeed the young of horses.
Filly in Context: Example Sentences
Seeing how filly is used in context can help you understand its proper usage in everyday language. Here are examples across different contexts:
"The young filly galloped across the meadow, her mane flowing in the wind."
"This talented filly has won three races this season and shows great promise for the Kentucky Oaks."
"We're raising a filly to breed when she matures into a mare."
"That lively filly loves to run in the pasture with the other horses."
Filly vs. Similar Terms: Understanding the Differences
The word filly is part of a larger system of horse terminology. Understanding how it relates to other terms can prevent confusion:
| Term | Gender | Age | Relation to Filly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filly | Female | 0-4 years | — |
| Mare | Female | 4+ years | What a filly becomes |
| Colt | Male | 0-4 years | Male equivalent |
| Foal | Any | 0-1 year | All fillies start as foals |
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Special Usage: Filly in Horse Racing
In the world of horse racing, the term filly has particular significance. Racing has specific rules and traditions regarding fillies:
- • Filly-only races: Many races are restricted to fillies only, allowing them to compete without racing against males
- • Age categories: In racing, a filly is typically defined as a female horse aged 2-4 (up to 5 in UK racing)
- • Prestige races: Major races like the Kentucky Oaks are exclusively for 3-year-old fillies
- • Weight allowances: Fillies sometimes receive weight allowances when racing against older horses or males
Regional Differences: US vs. UK
It's worth noting that there are some regional differences in how filly is defined, particularly between American and British racing:
United States
A filly is a female horse under 4 years old. At age 4, she becomes a mare.
United Kingdom
A filly is a female horse up to 4 years old. At age 5, she becomes a mare in racing contexts.
Key Takeaways: Filly Meaning Summary
- ✓ A filly is a young female horse under 4 years old
- ✓ Pronounced FILL-ee (/ˈfɪli/)
- ✓ From Old Norse fylja, meaning "female foal"
- �fillies become mares at age 4 (5 in UK racing)
- ✗ NOT synonymous with colt (male) or foal (any baby horse)