Cattle Meaning and Definition
Cattle
Pronunciation
/ˈkætəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Domesticated ungulates of the family Bovidae, typically raised for their milk, meat, and hides, with common species including the domestic cattle, water buffalo, and yaks.
Examples
- cattle ranches are common in rural areas
- cattle farming is a significant part of the agricultural sector
Synonyms
- livestock
- beeves
Antonyms
- wild
- feral
Etymology
The word “cattle” has its roots in Old French “chatel”, which referred to livestock, particularly cattle. This term originated in the Latin “capta”, meaning “captive”, and the Old French term was later adapted into Middle English as “cattle.”
Usage Notes
Cattle can be used as a singular or plural noun, with the word “cattel” being an archaic alternative for the plural form. The term is often used to describe domesticated bovines, but it can also refer to wild cattle or bison.
Cultural References
Cattle have been featured in various cultural and artistic works, including literature, film, and music. The iconic cattle brand, for instance, has been depicted in Western movies and is often associated with the American West.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- bringing home the bacon (achieved by cattle farming)
- to have a bee in one’s bonnet (to have an inflated sense of importance, often through cattle farming)
Related Words or Phrases
- livestock
- beeves
- bovine
Collocations
- cattle ranch
- cattle farm
- cattle breed
Frequency of Use
Cattle is a moderately used term in modern language, often appearing in agricultural and economic contexts. Its frequency of use varies depending on the region and industry, but it remains a common word in many English-speaking countries.
Common Misspellings
- cattil
- kattle
- catle