Grazer: meaning, definitions and examples

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grazer

 

[ˈɡreɪzər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

An animal that feeds on grass.

Synonyms

browser, herbivore.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grazer

Used to describe an animal that feeds on grass or vegetation by picking it off the ground.

  • Cows are known to be grazers, spending much of their day eating grass.
  • The fields were filled with grazers, such as sheep and deer.
herbivore

A general term used to refer to any animal that feeds chiefly on plants.

  • Rabbits, elephants, and zebras are all examples of herbivores.
  • In the food chain, herbivores play a crucial role by converting plant energy into a form that is consumable by carnivores.
browser

Refers to an animal that feeds on leaves, soft shoots, or fruits of high-growing, generally woody, plants.

  • Giraffes are browsers, feeding on the leaves of tall trees in the savannah.
  • Deer often act as browsers when they find themselves in a forest area, nibbling on tree leaves.

Examples of usage

  • The cow is a typical grazer.
  • Sheep are also known as grazers.
  • Deers are natural grazers.
  • Horses are common grazers in the wild.
  • Cattle are efficient grazers.
Context #2 | Noun

person

A person who eats small amounts of food frequently rather than large meals.

Synonyms

snacker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grazer

Mostly used to describe a person or animal that eats small amounts of food regularly throughout the day rather than having full meals.

  • She considers herself a grazer, often nibbling on fruits and nuts between meetings.
  • The cow is a natural grazer, spending most of its day in the pasture.
snacker

Commonly used to describe a person who eats snacks between meals. Used more informally and often refers to eating less healthy, convenience foods.

  • He's a habitual snacker, always reaching for chips or cookies when he's watching TV.
  • The kids were hungry after school, so they became little snackers, munching on crackers and cheese.

Examples of usage

  • My friend is a grazer, she eats throughout the day.
  • He prefers to be a grazer, snacking on nuts and fruits.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'grazer' comes from the verb 'graze,' which means to feed on growing grass or herbage.
  • Historically, it referred to livestock, particularly those that feed on grass in fields.
  • It has been used in English since the 17th century, primarily in the context of animals.

Agriculture

  • Grazing is a crucial agricultural practice that helps manage the growth of grasslands and promotes biodiversity.
  • Different animals, like cows, sheep, and goats, are natural grazers and significantly influence the ecosystem where they feed.
  • Rotational grazing, where livestock are moved between pastures, helps improve land health and prevents overgrazing.

Behavioral Science

  • Humans who prefer to graze may find it easier to manage hunger and maintain energy levels throughout the day.
  • Grazing can lead to healthier eating habits, as it encourages the consumption of smaller portions and a variety of foods.
  • Studies show that those who graze might experience less stress related to meal preparation and eating times.

Health & Nutrition

  • Grazing can be a beneficial eating style for some people, particularly those with high energy needs, like athletes.
  • It encourages snacking on healthier options, like fruits and vegetables, rather than large, heavy meals.
  • However, it can lead to overeating for others if not managed properly, as constant access to food can blur hunger cues.

Pop Culture

  • In modern diet trends, 'grazing' has been promoted as a healthy eating strategy, contrasting with traditional three-meals-a-day approaches.
  • Reality cooking shows often showcase dishes meant for 'grazing,' fostering a food-sharing culture at social gatherings.
  • The concept of grazing has evolved into casual dining trends, where people enjoy shared plates in restaurants instead of formal meals.

Translations

Translations of the word "grazer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pastador

🇮🇳 चरवाहा

🇩🇪 Weidetier

🇮🇩 pemakan rumput

🇺🇦 пасовище

🇵🇱 pasący się

🇯🇵 草を食べる動物

🇫🇷 herbivore

🇪🇸 herbívoro

🇹🇷 otlayan hayvan

🇰🇷 풀을 먹는 동물

🇸🇦 راعي

🇨🇿 pasoucí se zvíře

🇸🇰 pasúce sa zviera

🇨🇳 食草动物

🇸🇮 pašna žival

🇮🇸 beitardýr

🇰🇿 жайылымдағы мал

🇬🇪 მწყემსი

🇦🇿 otlayan

🇲🇽 herbívoro

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,682, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.