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

The number of beef cattle farmers and ranchers in the US has dwindled steadily since 1980, reducing domestic supplies and driving up prices, as demand remains high.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

Observations on several flocks of sheep and a herd of beef cattle are indicative of the poisoning and death that threatened livestock as well.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson