Manger vs. Stable: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A manger is a feed trough for animals, while a stable is a building where animals, especially horses, are kept.
Key Differences
A manger is specifically designed for holding food for animals, usually in a barn or stable. A stable, on the other hand, serves as a shelter or housing for animals, particularly horses or livestock.
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Nov 30, 2023
Mangers are typically small, trough-like structures within larger enclosures. Stables are larger buildings or structures that can house multiple animals, often with separate stalls or spaces for each.
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Mangers are often made of wood or metal and are part of the interior of a stable or barn. Stables are more complex structures, usually constructed from wood or brick, with roofing and doors.
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The term manger often appears in religious texts, symbolizing simplicity and humility. Stables have a broader cultural significance, associated with farming, equestrian sports, and historical transportation.
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Manger is sometimes used metaphorically to represent basic nourishment or humble beginnings. Stable, conversely, can metaphorically indicate a secure, steady environment or situation.
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Comparison Chart
Size and Complexity
Small, simple structure
Larger, complex building with multiple spaces
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Cultural Significance
Associated with humility and simplicity
Linked to farming, equestrian activities
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Metaphorical Use
Represents basic nourishment or humble start
Symbolizes security, steadiness
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Manger and Stable Definitions
Manger
A basic feeding station for livestock
The sheep gathered around the manger at feeding time.
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Stable
A building for housing horses or other livestock
She visited the stable every morning to feed the horses.
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Manger
A simple feeding container in stables or barns
He filled the manger with fresh hay for the horses.
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Stable
A structure providing shelter for animals on a farm
The farmer built a large stable for his growing livestock.
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Manger
Historically, a symbol of humility in religious contexts
The nativity scene depicted baby Jesus in a manger.
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Stable
Used for equestrian activities and animal care
The riding school's stable housed several prize-winning horses.
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Manger
A trough or box for animal feed
The cows were eating from the manger in the barn.
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Stable
A secure place for keeping and caring for animals
During the storm, all the animals were safe in the stable.
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Stable
A facility integral to farming and animal husbandry
The old stable was a landmark in the rural community.
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Stable
Resistant to change of position or condition; not easily moved or disturbed
A house built on stable ground.
A stable platform.
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Manger
A trough or open box in which fodder is placed for horses or cattle to eat.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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Stable
Not subject to sudden or extreme change or fluctuation
A stable economy.
A stable currency.
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Manger
The fore part of the deck, having a bulkhead athwart ships high enough to prevent water which enters the hawse holes from running over it.
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Manger
A container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
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Manger
A part of a stable or barn used for feeding animals
He built a new wooden manger in the stable.
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Stable
Consistent or dependable
She has been stable in her support for the project.
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Stable
Not showing or marked by erratic or volatile emotions or behavior
He remained stable even after he lost his job.
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Stable
(Physics) Having no known mode of decay; indefinitely long-lived. Used of atomic particles.
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Stable
A building for the shelter and feeding of certain domestic animals, especially horses.
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Stable
All the racehorses belonging to a single owner or racing establishment.
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Stable
The personnel employed to keep and train such a group of racehorses.
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Stable
A group, as of athletes or entertainers, under common management
A stable of prizefighters.
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Stable
A building, wing or dependency set apart and adapted for lodging and feeding (and training) ungulates, especially horses.
There were stalls for fourteen horses in the squire's stables.
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Stable
(metonymy) All the racehorses of a particular stable, i.e. belonging to a given owner.
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Stable
(sumo) An organization of sumo wrestlers who live and train together.
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Stable
(professional wrestling) A group of wrestlers who support each other within a wrestling storyline.
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Stable
A group of people who are looked after, mentored, or trained in one place or for a particular purpose or profession.
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Stable
Relatively unchanging, steady, permanent; firmly fixed or established; consistent; not easily moved, altered, or destroyed.
He was in a stable relationship.
A stable government
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Stable
(computing) Of software: established to be relatively free of bugs, as opposed to a beta version.
You should download the 1.9 version of that video editing software: it is the latest stable version. The newer beta version has some bugs.
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Stable
Firmly established; not easily moved, shaken, or overthrown; fixed; as, a stable government.
In this region of chance, . . . where nothing is stable.
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Stable
Steady in purpose; constant; firm in resolution; not easily diverted from a purpose; not fickle or wavering; as, a man of stable character.
And to her husband ever meek and stable.
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Stable
Durable; not subject to overthrow or change; firm; as, a stable foundation; a stable position.
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Stable
So placed as to resist forces tending to cause motion; of such structure as to resist distortion or molecular or chemical disturbance; - said of any body or substance.
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Stable
To dwell or lodge in a stable; to dwell in an inclosed place; to kennel.
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Stable
A house, shed, or building, for beasts to lodge and feed in; esp., a building or apartment with stalls, for horses; as, a horse stable; a cow stable.
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Stable
Resistant to change of position or condition;
A stable ladder
A stable peace
A stable relationship
Stable prices
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Stable
Firm and dependable; subject to little fluctuation;
The economy is stable
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do modern stables always include mangers?
Not always, as modern feeding practices vary.
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Are stables used only for horses?
No, stables can house various animals, though horses are most common.
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Can a stable exist without a manger?
Yes, a stable can function without a manger if it's used solely for shelter.
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Is a manger found outside of a stable?
Rarely, as it's usually located inside a stable or barn.
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Is a manger used for any animal besides livestock?
Primarily, it's for livestock, but it can be adapted for other animals.
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Is a manger a permanent structure?
Typically, yes, it's a fixed part of a barn or stable.
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Can stables be used for purposes other than housing animals?
Yes, they can be adapted for storage, workshops, or other uses.
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Do mangers vary in size?
Yes, depending on the type and number of animals they serve.
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Are stables climate-controlled?
Modern stables can be, but it's not universal.
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Can a manger be used for storing water?
Traditionally, no, but some designs may accommodate water.
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Do stables require special construction materials?
Durable, safe materials are recommended for animal comfort and safety.
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How are stables ventilated?
Through windows, vents, or specific architectural designs.
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Is the manger's design important?
Yes, for the efficient and safe feeding of animals.
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Are stables always part of a farm?
No, they can be part of private properties, racetracks, or riding schools.
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Do mangers need regular maintenance?
Yes, for hygiene and the health of the animals.
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Is a manger essential for animal care?
While not essential, it's important for organized feeding.
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Do stables impact property value?
Yes, especially on properties geared toward equestrian activities.
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Can mangers be decorative?
Yes, especially in historical or religious contexts.
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Are mangers and stables mentioned in literature?
Yes, often in historical, agricultural, or religious texts.
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Can stables be portable?
Yes, there are temporary or portable stable designs.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.