stable
To put or keep an animal, especially a horse, in a building designed for shelter and containment. It can also refer to the act of storing vehicles or equipment in a secure, covered facility.
Examples
3 of 5After the long ride, the knight decided to stable his horse at the local inn.
After the long ride, the knight decided to put his horse in a stable at the local inn.
The facility is equipped to stable up to fifty thoroughbreds during the racing season.
The facility is equipped to house up to fifty thoroughbreds in stables during the racing season.
Can I stable my bike in your garage until the rain stops?
Can I keep my bike in your garage until the rain stops?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a horse standing 'stable' (steady) inside its 'stable' (house). You 'stable' the horse to keep it 'stable'.
Quick Quiz
Due to the approaching hurricane, the rancher decided to ______ his prize-winning mares in the reinforced barn.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stable
Examples
After the long ride, the knight decided to stable his horse at the local inn.
everydayAfter the long ride, the knight decided to put his horse in a stable at the local inn.
The facility is equipped to stable up to fifty thoroughbreds during the racing season.
formalThe facility is equipped to house up to fifty thoroughbreds in stables during the racing season.
Can I stable my bike in your garage until the rain stops?
informalCan I keep my bike in your garage until the rain stops?
Logistical reports from the 19th century detail where the cavalry would stable their mounts during transit.
academicLogistical reports from the 19th century detail where the cavalry would house their horses in stables during transit.
The transport company has contracted with a local firm to stable their fleet of vintage carriages.
businessThe transport company has contracted with a local firm to provide storage for their fleet of vintage carriages.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
stable the horses
to put the horses away in their stalls
stabling costs
the expenses related to housing animals
room to stable
available space to house an animal or vehicle
Often Confused With
To 'stabilize' means to make something steady or fixed; to 'stable' means to put an animal in a shelter.
A 'staple' is a U-shaped fastener or a basic food item; 'stable' refers to animal housing.
Usage Notes
When used as a verb, 'stable' is almost exclusively used in the context of horses or high-value livestock. In modern informal usage, it is occasionally used metaphorically for storing high-maintenance vehicles like classic cars.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'stable' when they mean 'stabilize' (e.g., 'We need to stable the economy'). Always use 'stabilize' for making things firm or steady.
Memory Tip
Think of a horse standing 'stable' (steady) inside its 'stable' (house). You 'stable' the horse to keep it 'stable'.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'estable', coming from the Latin 'stabulum' meaning 'a standing place' or 'stall'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In equestrian cultures like the UK and rural USA, 'stabling' is a significant industry and part of the daily routine for horse owners.
Quick Quiz
Due to the approaching hurricane, the rancher decided to ______ his prize-winning mares in the reinforced barn.
Correct!
The correct answer is: stable
Related Grammar Rules
Related Words
ready
A2To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.
simple
A2Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.
physical
A2Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.
general
A2Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.
environmental
A2Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.
medical
A2Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.
traditional
A2Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.
private
A2Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.
difficult
A2Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.
religious
A2Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free