Corral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ด
corral
[kษหrษหl ]
Definitions
farm animals
An enclosure or pen for horses, cows, or other livestock, usually made of wood or metal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corral |
Typically used in the context of cattle or large livestock. It often implies a temporary or makeshift space for holding the animals, especially on a ranch or during cattle drives.
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| enclosure |
A more general term used for any closed-off area designed to contain animals or other items. It's often used in formal or more technical contexts.
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| pen |
Usually refers to a smaller enclosed area for keeping smaller animals like chickens, pigs, or sheep. It can also be used to describe an area where livestock are temporarily confined for handling.
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| paddock |
Most commonly used in the context of horse-keeping. It describes a small field or enclosure where horses can exercise and graze.
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Examples of usage
- The cowboys herded the cattle into the corral for branding.
- The corral was filled with horses waiting to be saddled.
- I need to clean out the corral before the next shipment of livestock arrives.
control or gather
To gather or control (a group of people or things) into a small space.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| corral |
This word is commonly used in the context of physically gathering and confining animals, particularly livestock, into an enclosure or pen. It can also figuratively mean bringing people or things together in one place.
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| gather |
This is a general term that can be used in many contexts, such as collecting people, things, or information. It doesnโt necessarily imply physical restraint or confinement.
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| round up |
This term is often used to describe the action of collecting and organizing scattered animals or objects. It is common in farming and ranching contexts, and can also be used metaphorically for gathering people.
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| herd |
This word specifically refers to guiding or controlling a group of animals, often livestock, and can also be used metaphorically to describe guiding people in a similar manner. It can carry a slightly negative connotation when referring to people, suggesting they are being dealt with like animals.
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Examples of usage
- The police were able to corral the protesters before they could cause any damage.
- We need to corral all the supplies in one area for easy access.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Corrals were essential for ranchers in the American West to manage livestock, particularly during cattle drives.
- They served not only as holding pens but also as places for branding, feeding, and tending to the animals.
- In Native American culture, corrals were sometimes used by tribes for maintaining bison herds.
Pop Culture
- In Western films, corrals often serve as a backdrop, illustrating the rugged lifestyle of cowboys and ranching.
- The popular video game 'Red Dead Redemption 2' features corrals as part of the immersive ranching experience.
- Country music often references corrals in songs about life on the ranch, symbolizing freedom and connection to nature.
Architecture
- Structures called corrals can vary greatly in size and materials, often made of wooden posts or metal fencing.
- Urban areas have adapted the concept of corrals for bike parking or public spaces, showing how the idea has evolved.
- Corrals can also refer to enclosures for wildlife rehabilitation, adapting to modern conservation efforts.
Environment
- Using corrals helps manage livestock waste, as areas can be designated for easy cleanup compared to free-range grazing.
- They play a role in sustainable ranching, allowing farmers to rotate grazing areas and conserve grassland health.
- Properly designed corrals can prevent soil erosion and protect local flora from damage caused by excessive animal movement.
Origin of 'corral'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Spanish 'corral,' which means a small yard or enclosure.
- It originally referred to enclosures for animals and has been used in English since the 17th century.
- The term has roots in the Latin word 'currere,' which means 'to run,' referring to a space where animals can be contained.
The word 'corral' originated from Spanish, derived from the Latin word 'corralem', meaning 'an enclosure around a dwelling'. The term was first recorded in English in the early 16th century.
See also: corralling.