Herding: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mostly in the context of managing or directing animals in groups, especially livestock like sheep or cattle. It can imply some degree of control over the movement of animals.

• The shepherd spent the afternoon herding his sheep back to the pen
• Herding cattle across such a vast area is no small task

This word is used more broadly to describe bringing people or things together. It can be used in social contexts or for collecting items systematically.

• There will be a gathering of friends at my place tonight
• The children were gathering leaves for a school project

Often used to describe the act of bringing together scattered individuals or animals, typically with some effort. It might include a connotation of collecting or corralling with a sense of urgency.

• The cowboys spent the whole day rounding up stray cattle
• The teacher went about rounding up the students for the trip back to school

Used when talking about gathering and leading a group of animals, especially livestock like sheep or cows. It often implies physical effort to keep the group together and moving in the right direction.

• The shepherd is herding the sheep to the pasture.
• The dogs are great at herding cattle.

Used when you are showing or directing someone or something along a path, often implying providing advice or direction. It is often used in educational or navigational contexts.

• The tour guide is guiding the tourists through the museum.
• Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students in their studies.

Used when you are affecting or changing someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decisions indirectly. It often involves persuasion and psychological impact rather than direct control.

• Social media influencers have a big role in influencing public opinion.
• His speech was very effective in influencing the voters.

Primarily used when referring to the act of moving and managing livestock such as sheep, cattle, or goats. It can also be used figuratively to describe the act of guiding or managing a group of people.

• The shepherd was herding the sheep into the pen
• Organizing the volunteers was like herding cats

A general term that means bringing together people, animals, or objects into a group. It can be used in various contexts, from social events to collecting items.

• They are gathering all the family members for a reunion
• She spent the afternoon gathering wildflowers

Typically used when referring to the act of driving or gathering animals into a corral or enclosed space. It can also be used to describe the act of gathering people or things together, often with effort or difficulty.

• They spent the morning corralling the horses into the stable
• He was corralling his team for the important meeting