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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.


Etymology

Origin of pastoralism

First recorded in 1850–55; pastoral + -ism


Explanation

Pastoralism is a kind of work that's done in a rural setting. A town with an economy based in pastoralism might have a higher population of farm animals than people. You can also use this noun for a style of art that focuses on farms and other features of rural living. Both meanings of pastoralism stem from the Latin word pastor, or "shepherd." The type of work a shepherd does is a perfect example of pastoralism, as is a painting of a shepherd in the fields with a flock of sheep.

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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.

See Examples For:

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

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