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

Bringing down prices remained the RBA’s key focus, Bullock said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

He will also feature alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in the upcoming sequel to the witchy 1998 film “Practical Magic,” which is set for release Sept. 11.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

The track has been sampled by Snoop Dogg and the Black Eyed Peas, and appeared in films like the 2009 hit romantic comedy The Proposal, starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Another exception was Seth Bullock, the U.S. marshal known for having been the sheriff of Deadwood.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

When Kermit was fourteen, his father sent him to South Dakota, and Deadwood Sheriff Seth Bullock took Kermit camping, fishing, and bear hunting.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple