pastoralism

American  

[pas-ter-uh-liz-uhm, pah-ster-] / ˈpæs tər əˌlɪz əm, ˈpɑ stər- /

noun

1. the practice of herding as the primary economic activity of a society.

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Etymology

Origin of pastoralism

First recorded in 1850–55; pastoral + -ism

Example Sentences

The fluvial suspended sediment threatens the water quality downstream and thus the aquatic ecosystems, the river infrastructure such as hydropower plants and bridges as well as agriculture and pastoralism.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2024

But across most of the plateau, the primary mode of subsistence has been pastoralism.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2023

These lands also have deep cultural significance based on their role in pastoralism or fire practices.

From Scientific American • Mar. 3, 2023

It was third straight season of poor rains in eastern and northern Kenya, where pastoralism is a main source of income, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, a U.S. government agency.

From Reuters • Jan. 25, 2022

“Got to do with art or pastoralism or something. That’s how I gotta tie together John Donne and Izaak Walton, see.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt