1. the sound made by the hooves of a horse or other hoofed animal striking the ground

Examples

• We heard the hoofbeats of the cavalry approaching from a distance.
• The steady hoofbeats echoed through the canyon as the herd of wild horses galloped past.
• She recognized the familiar hoofbeat of her own horse returning from the trail.
• The hoofbeats grew louder as the rider drew closer to the ranch.
• In the quiet night, every hoofbeat on the cobblestone street was clearly audible.
• The rhythmic hoofbeats of the parade horses delighted the children lining the street.