heifer

[ hef-er ]

noun

1. a young cow over one year old that has not produced a calf.

heifer

/ ˈhɛfə /

noun

1. a young cow

Word History and Origins

Origin of heifer¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English hayfre, heighfer, Old English hēa(h)f(o)re; of uncertain origin; perhaps equivalent to hēah “high” + -fore (perhaps akin to Greek póris “heifer”); high ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of heifer¹

Old English heahfore; related to Greek poris calf; see high

Example Sentences

The heifer has now been returned home, and is said to be "fit and well".

From BBC

The team started with a group of 20 Holstein dairy heifers ranging from three to six months old, who had previous experience in the cattle chute area and with human handling.

From Science Daily

His brother, David Workman, killed in a fall off a cliff as he rode a mule in the dark in search of a lost heifer.

From Los Angeles Times

As the grazing heifers lifted their horns, their playful roughhousing seemed like a display of holiday cheer.

From Seattle Times

The number of heifers, or young female cows, in U.S. feedlots as of Oct.

From Reuters