Herder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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herder

[ˈhəːdə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

livestock

A person who looks after a herd of livestock, especially in open country.

Synonyms

cowboy, rancher, shepherd.

Examples of usage

  • The herder guided the sheep to greener pastures.
  • The herder whistled to signal the sheep to move.
Context #2 | Noun

culture

A person who supervises a group of people or animals.

Synonyms

manager, overseer, supervisor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herder

Used mainly to describe someone who takes care of livestock like sheep, cattle, or goats in a rural setting.

  • The herder led the sheep to a new grazing area.
  • He worked as a herder in the mountains.
supervisor

Generally used in workplace settings to refer to someone who oversees and provides guidance to employees or team members.

  • The supervisor approved the request for a day off.
  • He reported the issue to his supervisor.
manager

Applied to someone who oversees operations, employees, or projects in an organizational or business environment.

  • The manager scheduled the team meeting for Monday.
  • She was promoted to manager after her impressive performance last year.
overseer

Often used historically or in a formal setting to describe someone who supervises workers, especially in manual labor contexts like construction or plantations. It can have a negative connotation, implying a strict or authoritarian role.

  • The overseer checked the workers' progress daily.
  • In old times, an overseer monitored the plantation workers.

Examples of usage

  • The herder of the event made sure everything ran smoothly.
  • She acted as the herder for the young students on the field trip.

Translations

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

Origin of 'herder'

The word 'herder' originated from the Middle Dutch word 'herder', meaning a shepherd or keeper of domestic animals. The term has been used for centuries to describe individuals responsible for guiding and managing herds of livestock or groups of people. Herders play a crucial role in agriculture and animal husbandry, ensuring the well-being and movement of the herd. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not only those who care for animals but also those who oversee and supervise groups in various contexts.


See also: herding, herdsman.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,838 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.