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beef cattle

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)
  1. cattle, as Hereford, raised for their edible meat.


Etymology

Origin of beef cattle

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The beef industry is already under pressure: Earlier this year, the U.S. beef cattle herd reached a 75-year low.

From Barron's Jun. 4, 2026

The couple would have two daughters and a son and settled on a 150-acre-plus farm in Solway, an unincorporated suburb of Knoxville, where they raised beef cattle as a hobby.

From The Wall Street Journal May 1, 2026

As a result, the U.S. beef cattle inventory shrank to its lowest level since 1962, a problem that restricts beef supplies for years.

From Salon Apr. 8, 2026

Aidan Stanley raises beef cattle entirely on untouched grass pastures at Lilliput Farm near Bath, a practice which substantially reduces carbon emissions.

From BBC May 29, 2025

It had been grazed twice by beef cattle.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

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