pack animal

American  

noun

1. a mule, donkey, burro, or horse bred for vigor and hardiness and used for carrying heavy loads.

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pack animal British  

noun

1. an animal, such as a donkey, used to transport goods, equipment, etc

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Etymology

Origin of pack animal

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

They’re hardy horses, and can be enlisted as pack animals high up in the mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

Burros were used by gold miners as pack animals in California more than a century ago.

From Los Angeles Times

There will be two primary areas of study: exploring the ecological and sociological implications of the pack animals’ return to the state.

From Los Angeles Times

Rasseem, Smithy, Mara, and the rest of the convoy marched behind us with all the pack animals.

From Literature

Pigs are pack animals — not so different from being in a touring rock band, the singer and guitarist Marisa Dabice, 36, noted playfully.

From New York Times