Pastoralist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pastoralist

[หˆpรฆs.tษ™r.ษ™l.ษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

livestock farming

A pastoralist is a person who raises livestock, such as cows, sheep, or goats, for a living. They typically live in rural areas and rely on the land to provide food and resources for their animals.

Synonyms

herder, nomad, rancher.

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Word Description / Examples
pastoralist

Used when referring to people who raise livestock and rely heavily on animal husbandry practices. It often conveys expertise in animal care and traditional knowledge.

  • The pastoralists in the region have developed unique methods to raise their cattle
herder

Commonly used in a general sense to describe someone who tends to livestock, such as sheep or goats. Often used in everyday conversation or descriptive contexts.

  • The herder guided his flock through the mountains
rancher

Used mainly in Western or North American contexts to describe someone who owns or manages a large farm dedicated primarily to raising cattle or sheep.

  • The rancher invested in new technologies to improve his cattle's wellbeing
nomad

Refers to people who move from place to place without a permanent home, often in pursuit of pastures for their livestock. This term emphasizes the mobility aspect of their lifestyle.

  • The nomads traveled across vast deserts in search of fertile land

Examples of usage

  • Many pastoralists in Africa rely on their herds of cattle for their livelihood.
  • The Maasai tribe in Kenya are known for their traditional pastoralist way of life.

Translations

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

Origin of 'pastoralist'

The term 'pastoralist' originated from the Latin word 'pastor' which means 'shepherd'. Historically, pastoralists have played a crucial role in agriculture and food production, especially in regions where arable land is limited. Their nomadic lifestyle has been adapted to various environments around the world, shaping their cultural identities and practices.


See also: pastoral, pastorate.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,437 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.