# neigh

Pronunciation: say "NAY" /neɪ/

## Noun

1. The high-pitched call produced by a horse.
   - Simple: The loud, high call that a horse makes.
   - _A sharp neigh echoed across the field as the stallion reared._
   - _The mare answered with a low neigh before trotting toward the fence._

## Verb

2. Of a horse, to produce its characteristic high-pitched cry.
   - Simple: When a horse makes its loud, high call.
   - _The horses neigh loudly whenever the stable doors swing open at dawn._
   - _Frightened by the thunder, the mare began to neigh._
3. To produce a sound resembling the cry of a horse.
   - Simple: To make a sound like the call of a horse.
   - _The rusty hinge seemed to neigh each time the gate swung open._
   - _Excited by the parade, the costumed kids neigh and paw at the ground._

## Verb

4. To express scorn by scoffing or sneering at someone. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To laugh at someone in a mean, mocking way.
   - _The lords neigh at every plea the poor man dares to make._
   - _She begged them not to neigh at his clumsy verses._

## Origin

This word comes from Middle English neyen, from Old English hnǣġan, going back to Proto-Germanic *hnajjaną ("to neigh"). It is related to Swedish gnägga and Icelandic hneggja.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/neigh (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).