beef cattle

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. cattle, as Hereford, raised for their edible meat.

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Etymology

Origin of beef cattle

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

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

American dairy producers are continuing to expand the number of beef cattle they produce that are crossbred with dairy cows, but cattlemen have been reluctant thus far to grow their herds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

U.S. beef cattle inventory fell 1% over the past year to 27.6 million heads, according to a Jan. 1 estimate from the National Agricultural Statistics Services.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 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

Like all beef cattle, 534 is the product of artificial insemination.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan