gallop
UK: ˈɡæləp | US: ˈɡæləp
n. the fastest pace of a horse or other quadruped, with all feet off the ground simultaneously in each stride.
vi. (of a horse) to run at a gallop.
vt. to cause (a horse) to gallop.
The word "gallop" originates from Old French galoper, likely derived from Frankish wala hlaupan ("to run well"), combining wala (well) + hlaupan (to leap or run). The reduplicative "-op" mimics the rhythmic sound of a horse's hooves, reinforcing the action's swift, bounding nature. Over time, it evolved into Middle English as galopen, retaining its association with rapid motion.
The horse broke into a gallop as soon as the race began.
She galloped across the field, her hair streaming behind her.
The knight galloped toward the castle to deliver the urgent message.
Children giggled as they pretended to gallop like horses.
The sound of galloping hooves echoed through the valley.