Herd: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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