Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "mare" is typically pronounced /mɛr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to a female horse, commonly used in breeding or for riding purposes. The spelling of "mare" follows the English rule of "silent e," where the final "e" is not pronounced but instead changes the preceding vowel sound to its long counterpart. In this case, the "a" in "mare" is pronounced as a long vowel sound thanks to the silent "e" at the end.
"Mare" is a noun referring to a female horse. Specifically, it denotes an adult horse that is of the female sex and has reached sexual maturity. Mares are known for their reproductive capability and are integral to horse breeding and the continuation of the equine species. They play a significant role in horse husbandry and are often sought after for their ability to produce offspring.
In terms of physical characteristics, mares differ from their male counterparts, known as stallions or geldings, by exhibiting certain anatomical features such as a smaller frame, slightly lighter weight, and a more delicate appearance. Mares typically possess a gentle temperament and are reputed for their nurturing instincts, particularly when it comes to their young, known as foals.
Moreover, the term "mare" is sometimes used in a broader sense to describe a female of various other species, particularly those pertaining to the equine family. In this context, it encompasses the female counterparts of animals such as zebras and donkeys. Regardless of the specific species, mares symbolize femininity, grace, and the life-giving aspect of reproduction.
Overall, "mare" accurately characterizes a female horse or a female of certain equine species, highlighting its significance within the equine world and the vital role it plays in sustaining the population of horses and related animals.
The female of the horse.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The etymology of the word "mare" originates from Old English "mere", which was derived from Proto-Germanic "marhaz". It is closely related to words in other Germanic languages such as Old Saxon "meri", Old Norse "marr", and Old High German "marah". The word "mare" originally referred to a female horse or a horse-like creature. Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically describe a female horse over the age of four years, or a female horse used for breeding purposes. The term "mare" is still widely used in English to refer to a female horse.
