bullock

American  

[bool-uhk] / ˈbʊl ək /

noun

1. a castrated bull; steer.

2. a young bull.

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bullock British  

/ ˈbʊlək /

noun

1. a gelded bull; steer

2. archaic a bull calf

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verb

1. informal (intr) to work hard and long

Etymology

Origin of bullock

First recorded before 1000; Middle English bullok, Old English bulluc; see origin at bull ¹, -ock

Explanation

Bullock is another word for a steer or a young bull. Most bullocks are raised for meat production, although some farmers have been known to keep their favorite bullock as a pet. Bullocks are essentially young male cows, and the term usually refers to animals that have been castrated. The terminology varies a lot, though, so while some farmers and ranchers use bullock to mean "young bull," others use it to describe a youthful ox. While cows can be useful as dairy animals, bullocks are generally fattened and sold for beef.

Example Sentences

Keesha Bullock, the space center’s chief operating and strategy officer, said, “We are focused again on preparedness for whatever comes our way.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Bullock said the committee had previously expressed support for the concept of rehabilitation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

One of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history involved the ignition of highly flammable fertilizer aboard a cargo ship, the SS Grandcamp, in Texas in 1947, according to the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

The track has been sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and appeared in films like the 2009 hit romantic comedy The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Dorothy was reunited with many of her West Computers, but they now worked side by side with East Computing alumni like Sara Bullock and Barbara Weigel.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly