bell cow

noun

1. a cow, especially the lead cow of a herd, having a bell attached to a collar around its neck so that the herd can be located easily.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bell cow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

It’s difficult to devote both the time and resources to the latter when your bell cow sports program is staggering.

From Seattle Times

Without their bell cow, Minnesota saw three running backs and quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis get between 10 and 15 carries apiece.

From Washington Times

Running backs coach Kiel McDonald made it clear in the past he prefers to have a bell cow back in place, even if multiple running backs sometimes share the workload during select games.

From Los Angeles Times

Miles Sanders over 13.5 rushing attempts: Sanders was the bell cow for the Eagles all season, averaging 15.2 rush attempts per game, and he had 205 more than any other running back.

From Los Angeles Times

Visitors to “the new aristocratic suburb” dubbed Palm Place would have found one home, an architectural bell cow, standing in an empty field.

From Los Angeles Times