Corral: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The cowboys gathered the cattle into the corral.
• We need to repair the fence around the corral before moving the herd.

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.

• The zoo has a large enclosure for the lions.
• Please ensure the enclosure is secure before leaving.

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.

• The children were excited to feed the animals in the petting zoo's pen.
• Move the pigs to the new pen for feeding.

Most commonly used in the context of horse-keeping. It describes a small field or enclosure where horses can exercise and graze.

• The horses are grazing in the paddock.
• Let's walk down to the paddock to check on the new foal.

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.

• The ranchers headed out to corral the cattle at sunset.
• The event organizers tried to corral the guests into the main hall.

This is a general term that can be used in many contexts, such as collecting people, things, or information. It doesn’t necessarily imply physical restraint or confinement.

• She went into the garden to gather flowers for the table.
• The teacher asked the students to gather in a circle.

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.

• The cowboys rode out to round up the stray cattle.
• The teacher tried to round up all the students for a group photo.

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.

• The shepherd spent all day herding his sheep across the valley.
• The security staff herded the crowd towards the exit.