Ambler

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈæm.blɚ/

Definitions

1. A person who moves along on foot casually and slowly ; a horse that moves with a comfortable, gliding gait different from a trot or canter
2. Someone who strolls without hurry or effort ; an equine known for its smooth and steady walking style
3. An individual who ambles in a relaxed manner ; a type of horse prized for its easy and flowing walk

Etymology: "Ambler" is a straightforward formation: the verb "amble" with the agent suffix "-er," meaning one who ambles. "Amble" came into Middle English from Old French, and the suffix "-er" was attached to it, giving the noun a sense of one who walks in a slow, unhurried way. The verb's own history is the more striking part. "Amble" originally described a particular gait of horses, a smooth pace in which the two legs on one side move forward together, rather than the walk or trot. Riders valued it because it was comfortable over long distances. Only later did the word spread to describe unhurried human walking, which is why the noun still carries the sense of someone moving at a leisurely, easy pace.

Synonyms: stroller, walker, meanderer, saunterer, wanderer

Antonyms: runner, sprinter