Corral

/kəˈræl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A pen or enclosure for horses, cattle, or other animals.
The rancher led the horses into the corral for the night.
A restricted area where animals are gathered.
The cowboys worked hard to drive the cattle into the corral.
verb
To gather (animals) into a corral or pen.
They needed to corral the stray sheep before nightfall.
To confine or bring together in a specific area.
The volunteers were able to corral all the donations in one place for the charity event.

Etymology

Spanish 'corral', meaning an enclosed yard or pen.

Common Phrases and Expressions

corral the troops
To gather people together for a meeting or discussion.
corral one's emotions
To manage and control one's feelings.
corral into a corner
To trap someone in a difficult situation.

Related Words

fence
A barrier that defines a boundary.
enclosure
An area that is sealed off from the outside.
herd
A group of animals, often livestock, that are kept together.

Slang Meanings

To get a group together.
Let's corral everyone for the meeting.
To trap or confine someone.
He felt corralled by all the responsibilities at work.