Meaning & Definition of word "Cattle"

Cattle

/ˈkætəl/

noun:

  • 1. Domestic animals of the bovine species raised for meat, milk, or other products.
    • Example: The farmer has a large herd of cattle grazing in the fields.
  • 2. Bovine animals, including cows, bulls, and steers, collectively.
    • Example: The cattle were moved to a new pasture to find fresh grass.
  • 3. In a more general sense, refers to livestock or farm animals.
    • Example: Cattle farming is an important industry in many countries.
  • 4. A term sometimes used informally to describe a large group of people, often in a derogatory sense.
    • Example: He referred to the noisy crowd at the concert as a bunch of cattle.

Etymology

Middle English 'catel', from Old North French 'catel' meaning 'property, personal property', from Latin 'capitale', meaning 'property'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

beef cattle:

Cattle raised specifically for meat production.

dairy cattle:

Cattle raised primarily for milk production.

cattle drive:

The process of moving a herd of cattle from one place to another.

Related Words

bull:

A male bovine animal.

cow:

A female bovine animal that has had a calf.

calf:

A young bovine animal, especially one that is less than a year old.

Slang Meanings of cattle

Meaning: Referring to a large, unrefined group of people.

Example Sentence: That crowd was a bunch of cattle at the concert.

Meaning: Used to describe someone as slow or unintelligent.

Example Sentence: Don't be such cattle, think before you act!