C1noun1K

Cattle

UK /["/ˈkætl/"]/US /["/ˈkætl/"]/

Definition

cows and bulls that are kept as farm animals for their milk or meat

In simple words: A large animal that is often raised on farms for milk or meat, like cows and bulls.

Examples

  • The farmer decided to sell some of his cattle to reduce costs.
  • In the wild, the area is often populated by different species of cattle.
  • Cattle are a significant source of milk and beef for many cultures.
  • The ranch produced high-quality cattle that won several awards.
  • The grazing patterns of cattle can have a profound impact on the landscape.

Usage notes

Used mainly in agricultural contexts. Avoid in casual conversations unless relevant to farming or ranching topics. Not commonly used to refer to livestock collectively in informal speech.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'cattle' as 'cows a lot' — picture a field full of cows.

Collocations

  • beef
  • dairy
  • Highland
  • head
  • herd
  • keep
  • raise
  • rear
  • graze
  • auction
  • market
  • breeding
  • a breed of cattle

Synonyms

  • livestock
  • bovines
  • herd
  • cows
  • bulls

Antonyms

  • wild animals
  • predators
  • pests

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'cattle' as a singular noun.
  • Using 'cattles' as a plural form instead of 'cattle'.
  • Mixing up cattle with other livestock like sheep or goats.