Saddle

/ˈsæd.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A supportive structure, typically of leather, placed on the back of a horse for riding.
She carefully adjusted the saddle to ensure a comfortable fit for the horse.
A seat for a rider on a bicycle or motorcycle.
He found the saddle of his bike to be too uncomfortable during the long ride.
The part of a bicycle or motorcycle that the rider sits on.
After the adjustment, the saddle was perfectly positioned for optimum comfort.
A raised, often curved, area on a geographical feature, like a mountain pass.
They reached the saddle of the mountain and marveled at the breathtaking view.
verb
To put a saddle on a horse or other animal.
He will saddle the horse before we go for our morning ride.
To assign a burden or responsibility to someone.
The manager decided to saddle her with additional duties despite her workload.

Etymology

Old English 'sad(l)', of Germanic origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

saddle up
To prepare for riding a horse.
saddle bag
A bag or pouch attached to a saddle.
to saddle someone with something
To impose a task or burden on someone.

Related Words

saddlery
The equipment for horses, especially saddles and bridles.
saddlecloth
A cloth placed under a saddle.
saddleback
A type of animal or related to a specific type of ridged roof.

Slang Meanings

To be in a difficult situation.
After missing the deadline, he's really saddled with trouble now.
To be burdened with responsibilities.
Once the project started, she felt saddled with too much work.