What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
foal
Example
The mare gave birth to a healthy foal last night. [foal: noun]
Example
The foal was still nursing from its mother. [foal: adjective]
filly
Example
The filly won the race by a nose. [filly: noun]
Example
The farmer decided to keep the filly for breeding purposes. [filly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foal is a more commonly used term than filly in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be applied to young horses of either gender. However, filly is still a common term within the context of horse breeding and racing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between foal and filly?
Both foal and filly are relatively formal terms that are primarily used within the context of horse breeding and racing. However, foal is a more versatile term that can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while filly may be considered slightly more specialized and formal.
