domestic animal

noun

1. an animal, as the horse or cat, that has been tamed and kept by humans as a work animal, food source, or pet, especially a member of those species that have, through selective breeding, become notably different from their wild ancestors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of domestic animal¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

While they present no danger to humans or domestic animals, spiny water fleas rattle ecosystems that support game fish.

From Popular-Science

“Today, no one takes away even a domestic animal of another person forcefully,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

The blood-corpuscles of man are larger than those of any domestic animal inhabiting Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

Even his faithful domestic animal, the dog, is rarely used for hunting, but is regarded solely as the companion of man.

From Project Gutenberg

It certainly is not the ordinary domestic animal, the shape approaching somewhat to that of the antelope.

From Project Gutenberg

And there is no domestic animal or fowl, whose habits require grain, whether whole or ground, that is not fond of it.

From Project Gutenberg

No domestic animal except the dog develops so much affection for its master as a goose will if it is permitted to do so.

From Project Gutenberg