bucolic

[ byoo-kol-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to shepherds; pastoral.
2. of, relating to, or suggesting an idyllic rural life.

   Synonyms: georgic

noun

1. a pastoral poem.

   Synonyms: georgic

2. Archaic. a farmer; shepherd; rustic.

bucolic

/ bjuːˈkɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of the countryside or country life; rustic
2. of or relating to shepherds; pastoral

noun

1. sometimes plural a pastoral poem, often in the form of a dialogue
2. a rustic; farmer or shepherd

Derived Forms

• buˈcolically, adverb

Other Words From

• bu·coli·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bucolic¹

1525–35; < Latin būcolicus < Greek boukolikós rustic, equivalent to boukól ( os ) herdsman ( bou-, stem of boûs ox + -kolos keeper + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of bucolic¹

C16: from Latin būcolicus , from Greek boukolikos , from boukolos cowherd, from bous ox

Example Sentences

This walk doesn’t fall into the category of bucolic country stroll, but it offers an unusual opportunity to get outside in the middle of the urban sprawl.

From Los Angeles Times

An executive director who knows the talking points, he speaks less of its bucolic allure than its economic benefit.

From Los Angeles Times

It was bucolic, inspiring — but how long could this last?

From Los Angeles Times

The Manson murders marked the midpoint of that, this dark wave that no one was suspecting in this bucolic place.

From Los Angeles Times

It has the shiny, sparkling look of a glossy TV teen drama, with sweeping drone shots to capture the bucolic beauty of Muskoka Lakes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agrarian
• pastoral