bullock
Americannoun
-
a gelded bull; steer
-
archaic a bull calf
verb
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.
Vocabulary lists containing bullock
Much Ado About Nothing
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George's Marvelous Medicine
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Beyond the Horizon
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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.
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock have returned in the trailer for “Practical Magic 2.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
On Instagram, Kidman shared videos of her and Bullock sipping drinks out of mini cauldrons and walking the red carpet arm in arm.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
Bullock asked, “Why do we come here, Nicole?”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
RBA Gov. Michele Bullock has already said the board will consider the case for a second rate increase in as many months when it next meets March 16-17.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026
Mr. Bullock, he hath overheard Mr. Wheeler, & adds his Sentiments of Affection for Mrs. B. and his Regard for her.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
