English Dictionary

Definition of “herd”

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1herd1 (hɜːdPronunciation for herd1) 

Definitions

noun

  1. a large group of mammals living and feeding together, esp a group of cattle, sheep, etc
  2. often derogatory a large group of people
  3. derogatory the large mass of ordinary people

verb

  1. to collect or be collected into or as if into a herd

Word Origin

Old English heord;  related to Old Norse hjörth,  Gothic hairda,  Old High German herta,  Greek kórthus troop

2herd2 (hɜːdPronunciation for herd2) 

Definitions

noun

    1. archaic or dialect a man or boy who tends livestock; herdsman
    2. ((in combination)  ⇒ goatherd swineherd 

verb (tr)

  1. to drive forwards in a large group
  2. to look after (livestock)

Word Origin

Old English hirde;  related to Old Norse hirthir,  Gothic hairdeis,  Old High German hirti,  Old Saxon hirdi, herdi; see herdOld English related to Old Norse Gothic Old High German Old Saxon see 1

Usage examples

  • He began to herd the prisoners out, back into the ante-room, the corridor.
    Kippax, Frank, The Scar (1990)
  • What does a herd of wildebeest or a flock of birds have in common with a cup of coffee?
    New Scientist (1999)
  • The case in the United States is more complex because the infected cow came from a large herd of 4,000 animals, he said.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • It is birthing time for Jean-Michel's herd of 20 dairy cattle.
    Independent (1999)
  • The need for a captive breeding herd was recognised by Hanoi University zoologist Prof. Vo Quy.
    Shuker, Karl & Durrell, Gerald, Lost Ark (1993)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'H'

Related Terms

3 results

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