A1noun1K

Cow

UK /["/kaʊ/"]/US /["/kaʊ/"]/

Definition

a large animal kept on farms to produce milk or beef

In simple words: A large farm animal that gives milk.

Examples

  • to **milk a cow**
  • **cow’s milk**
  • a herd of **dairy cows** *(= cows kept for their milk)*
  • Don't have a cow—it's no big deal.
  • You can talk till the cows come home—you’ll never make me change my mind.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Generally appropriate when discussing agriculture, food, or animals. Avoid in technical discussions where specific breeds or scientific classifications are needed.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'cow' as a 'big moo cow' that you see on farms.

Collocations

  • beef
  • dairy
  • milch
  • herd
  • breed
  • milk
  • kill
  • low
  • moo
  • chew the cud
  • byre
  • shed
  • pasture
  • a breed of cow

Synonyms

  • bovine
  • heifer
  • calf
  • livestock

Antonyms

  • bull
  • calf

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'moo', which is the sound cows make.
  • Saying 'cows' when referring to one cow.
  • Mistakenly using 'cow' as a verb.