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

Theoretically, you could wake up in four months’ time looking like a creature of myth, a man or woman who has been cursed with the upper body of a bullock.

From The Guardian • Apr. 4, 2020

They crunch under the wheels of bullock carts, startling the oxen.

From New York Times • Oct. 10, 2019

The neighbouring state of Karnataka has seen a revival of buffalo races known as "kambala", and Maharashtra has lifted its ban on bullock cart races.

From BBC • Jan. 1, 2018

“They had gathered in their villages, tied up all their things onto bullock carts. There were around 40 carts, a few hundred people,” he said.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2017

“They are pulling down houses around the maidan and there is a long line of bullock carts carrying bricks.”

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya