Nicker is the soft, gentle sound a horse makes, usually when it's happy to see someone or expecting a treat. It's not the loud whinny you hear in movies when horses are galloping across a field. Instead, nickering is more like a quiet rumble or purr that comes from the horse's throat and nose, lasting just a second or two.

Horses nicker to communicate friendliness and recognition. A horse might nicker when its owner approaches with a bucket of oats, or when another horse it likes comes near. It's the equine version of saying “hello” or “I'm glad you're here.” The sound is warm and welcoming, quite different from the sharp snort a startled horse makes or the distressed whinny of a separated foal.

You can also use nicker as a noun: “The mare's soft nicker greeted us as we entered the stable.” People who work with horses learn to recognize different sounds and what they mean, and a nicker is a good sign that the horse is content and friendly.