calf
1the young of the domestic cow or other bovine animal.
the young of certain other mammals, as elephants, seals, and whales.
Informal. an awkward, silly boy or man.
a mass of ice detached from a glacier, iceberg, or floe.
Idioms about calf
in calf, (of a cow or other animal having calves) pregnant.
kill the fatted calf, to prepare an elaborate feast in welcome or celebration.
Origin of calf
1Other words from calf
- calf·less, adjective
- calf·like, adjective
Words Nearby calf
Other definitions for calf (2 of 2)
the fleshy part of the back of the human leg below the knee.
Origin of calf
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use calf in a sentence
The dimmed lights and sizeable golden calf on the center of the conference table should tip you off.
‘Persecuted’ Is the Christian Right’s Paranoid Wet Dream | Candida Moss | July 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIndependence may well be the modern day Golden calf to which far too many of us bow down and worship.
“Good, number 15 – she and her calf are still in the same place,” he said.
Borana Joins the Fight to Save Kenya’s Rhinos…and Wants You to Help Too | Joanna Eede | February 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAt her side was her calf, which turned and squinted at us through baby eyes.
Borana Joins the Fight to Save Kenya’s Rhinos…and Wants You to Help Too | Joanna Eede | February 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe modest calf-length skirts and dresses could be tailor made for Kate Middleton.
A small book, bound in full purple calf, lay half hidden in a nest of fine tissue paper on the dressing-table.
Hilda Lessways | Arnold BennettThe calf and the bear shall feed: their young ones shall rest together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | VariousWhen he assails a calf, the cow will rush upon him, and one toss from her horns is sufficient to kill him.
Hunting the Lions | R.M. BallantyneNew milker with a calf still beside her—purty as a picture, the pair of 'em, and dirt cheap.
Dorothy at Skyrie | Evelyn RaymondLooks like good stock, that calf does; 's if 't might make a nice steer, but 'twon't never be a cow to give milk.
Dorothy at Skyrie | Evelyn Raymond
British Dictionary definitions for calf (1 of 2)
/ (kɑːf) /
the young of cattle, esp domestic cattle: Related adjective: vituline
the young of certain other mammals, such as the buffalo, elephant, giraffe, and whale
a large piece of floating ice detached from an iceberg, etc
kill the fatted calf to celebrate lavishly, esp as a welcome
another name for calfskin
Origin of calf
1British Dictionary definitions for calf (2 of 2)
/ (kɑːf) /
the thick fleshy part of the back of the leg between the ankle and the knee: Related adjective: sural
Origin of calf
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with calf
see kill the fatted calf; puppy (calf) love.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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