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

In July 2020, an alt-right group called the New Jersey European Heritage Association began tacking up posters in Pennsylvania warning that immigration would turn the first world into “the third”; the former was pictured as bucolic green hills, the latter as a smog-choked traffic jam.

From Salon

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

But the tradition is not as popular in the U.S., where inns are farther apart, towns may offer less sightseeing than in the bucolic hamlets of the Cotswolds, and campsites are more prevalent because there is more wild land.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agrarian
• pastoral