Bull Meaning and Definition
Bull
Pronunciation
/bʊl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A male bovine, typically a domesticated or feral animal related to cattle.
Examples
- The cowboy rode the bull through the rodeo arena.
- Bulls are an important part of rural agriculture.
Synonyms
- Oxen
- Steer
- Bullion
Antonyms
- Sheep
- Goat
Etymology
The word “bull” originates from Old English “bull”, which is derived from Proto-Germanic “buliz”, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European “bhūl-“, meaning “bull” or “oxen”.
Usage Notes
When referring to a male bovine, the term “bull” is usually used in its singular form. In some contexts, “bulls” can refer to multiple male bovines.
Cultural References
The term “bull” appears in various cultural references, such as the famous bullfighting events in Spain and the rodeo events in the United States.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
If someone “bears the brunt” or “takes the bull by the horns”, they are facing a challenging situation head-on.
Related Words or Phrases
Words related to “bull” include “calf”, “cow”, “ox”, and “steer”. Phrases like “bull market” and “bull run” refer to financial markets and economic booms, respectively.
Collocations
Common collocations with “bull” include phrases like “bull in a china shop” and “bull’s-eye”, meaning a direct hit or accurate aim.
Frequency of Use
The term “bull” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to agriculture, rodeos, and finance.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “bull” include “bulls” (plural), “bul” (without the “l”), and “belle” (a completely unrelated word).