cattle

[kat-l]

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. bovine animals, especially domesticated members of the genus Bos.

2. Bible.,  such animals together with other domesticated quadrupeds, as horses, swine, etc.

3. Disparaging.,  human beings, especially in a large, unruly crowd.

cattle

/ ˈkætəl /

noun

1. bovid mammals of the tribe Bovini (bovines), esp those of the genus Bos

2. Also called: domestic cattle. any domesticated bovine mammals, esp those of the species Bos taurus (domestic ox)

Other Word Forms

• cattleless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattle¹

1175–1225; Middle English catel < Old North French: (personal) property < Medieval Latin capitāle wealth; capital ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattle¹

C13: from Old Northern French catel, Old French chatel _chattel

Example Sentences

Locals say that beyond the cattle and tourism, Hokkaido has long lacked other industries.

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Illegal cattle ranching has already destroyed millions of acres.

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For instance, the H5N1 virus circulating in dairy cattle in North America is one mutation away from being able to spread easily between people.

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The Lexington, Neb., plant employs roughly 3,000 people and can slaughter almost 5,000 cattle a day, according to industry estimates.

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One is a long-term decline in the size of the U.S. cattle herd, which has fallen to about 87.2 million head of cattle and calves, its lowest level since 1951.

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Related Words

• herd 
• oxen