cattle

[ kat-l ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. bovine animals, especially domesticated members of the genus Bos.
2. Bible. such animals together with other domesticated quadrupeds, as horses, swine, etc.
3. Disparaging. human beings, especially in a large, unruly crowd.

cattle

/ ˈkætəl /

noun

1. bovid mammals of the tribe Bovini (bovines), esp those of the genus Bos
2. Also calleddomestic cattle any domesticated bovine mammals, esp those of the species Bos taurus (domestic ox)

Other Words From

• cattle·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattle¹

1175–1225; Middle English catel < Old North French: (personal) property < Medieval Latin capitāle wealth; capital ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of cattle¹

C13: from Old Northern French catel, Old French chatel chattel

Example Sentences

Although California dairy farmers anticipated a bird flu mortality rate of less than 2%, some say between 10% and 15% of infected cattle are dying.

From Los Angeles Times

In Roriak, there is no data available about the quality of the water the herders drink, but they fear pollution is making their cattle sick.

From BBC

Unity State’s agriculture minister blames the deaths of more than 100,000 cattle in the last two years on the floods combined with oil pollution.

From BBC

Dr Lizzy Pinkerton from the Belfast Hills Partnership said cattle were "basically the conservation tool" on the hills, where they help manage vegetation to support a healthy biodiversity.

From BBC

A disease spread in dog poo could spell disaster for cattle near walking routes on the Belfast hills, conservationists have warned.

From BBC

Related Words

• herd
• oxen