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Herd Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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herd

[həːd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal grouping

A herd is a large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live, feed, or migrate together. Herds can consist of various animals such as cows, sheep, buffalo, or elephants.

Synonyms

flock, group, pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herd

Used to describe a large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals like cows, elephants, or deer. Often used in farming or wildlife contexts.

  • The farmer moved his herd of cattle to a new pasture
  • A herd of elephants crossed the river
flock

Commonly refers to a group of birds or sheep. Often used when discussing birds in flight or sheep in a field.

  • A flock of geese flew over the lake
  • The shepherd guided his flock of sheep up the hill
pack

Used to describe a group of certain wild animals, such as wolves or dogs. Often implies a close-knit social structure.

  • A pack of wolves was spotted in the forest
  • Stray dogs sometimes form packs in urban areas
group

A general term for any collection of people, animals, or things. Used in a broad range of scenarios, both formal and informal.

  • A group of students gathered in the library
  • She joined a hiking group on weekends

Examples of usage

  • The herd of cattle grazed peacefully in the meadow.
  • A herd of wildebeests migrated across the savanna in search of water.
Context #2 | Verb

to gather or move as a group

To herd means to gather, move, or drive animals or people in a particular direction or towards a specific destination. It often involves the act of guiding a group of individuals together.

Synonyms

drive, gather, round up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herd

Also refers to moving or controlling a group of animals. It can be used both as a noun and a verb.

  • He specializes in herding goats on the mountain slopes
gather

Refers to the act of collecting or bringing animals together into one place. Often used in a more general or casual sense.

  • It's time to gather the chickens before it gets dark
drive

Typically describes the action of leading or guiding animals, especially cattle, to a particular place over a distance.

  • The cowboys had to drive the cattle across the plains
round up

Implies actively gathering animals, usually those that have strayed or are scattered. It often has a connotation of effort or difficulty.

  • The ranchers spent the morning rounding up the stray horses

Examples of usage

  • The sheepdog herded the sheep into the pen.
  • The tour guide herded the tourists towards the museum.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Many species, such as elephants and wolves, show stronger survival when in herds due to protection from predators.
  • Herd dynamics include social structures, where often a dominant individual leads and influences group movements.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, herding animals symbolizes community, cooperation, and togetherness.
  • Folk tales often depict herders as wise figures who guide and protect their animals, highlighting the bond between humans and livestock.

Agricultural Practices

  • Modern farming often utilizes herding dogs to manage livestock, emphasizing teamwork between animals and humans.
  • Herding practices vary by region, with different techniques developed for managing local animal species.

Psychology

  • The concept of herding can be applied to human behavior, where people mimic the actions or beliefs of a larger group, often seen in trends.
  • Herd behavior in financial markets refers to investors following the majority, leading to bubbles or crashes.

Origin of 'herd'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to Old English 'herd,' meaning 'to tend' or 'to guard,' reflecting the care given to animals.
  • Related words include 'herdsman,' which describes a person in charge of a group of animals.

The word 'herd' has its origins in Old English 'heord' which referred to a group of domestic animals. Over time, it evolved to encompass a wider variety of animals and the verb form emerged to describe the act of shepherding or guiding a group. The concept of herding has been essential throughout human history for the management and transportation of animals, making 'herd' a fundamental term in agriculture and livestock industries.

See also: her, hero, hers, herself.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,039 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.