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Pasture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pasture

[ˈpæs.tʃər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal grazing

A large area of land covered with grass, used for grazing animals.

Synonyms

field, grassland, meadow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pasture

This word is typically used when referring to land covered with grass or other low plants suitable for grazing animals, especially cattle or sheep.

  • The cows were happily grazing in the pasture
  • The farmer decided to rotate the pasture to prevent overgrazing
grassland

Used more in an ecological or geographical sense, grassland refers to vast open areas where the dominant vegetation is grass. It's often used to describe regions like prairies and savannas.

  • The African grasslands are home to many species of wildlife
  • Conservationists are working to protect native grasslands from development
meadow

This term is often used to describe a field, especially one that is naturally occurring and used for haymaking. Meadows are typically picturesque and may have flowers mixed with the grass.

  • We had a picnic in the beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers
  • The deer grazed quietly in the sunny meadow
field

A 'field' can have multiple uses, including agriculture, sports, and general open land. It is a broad term that doesn't specify the type of vegetation or its purpose.

  • The children played soccer in the field
  • The farmer planted corn in the large field behind his house

Examples of usage

  • Cows are often seen grazing in the lush pasture.
  • The horses enjoy running in the open pasture.
Context #2 | Verb

grazing

To put livestock to feed in a pasture.

Synonyms

feed, graze, range.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pasture

Use 'pasture' when referring to a large area of grassland where animals like cows, sheep, or horses feed.

  • The cows are grazing peacefully in the pasture.
  • We need to fence off the new pasture to keep the goats in.
graze

Use 'graze' when animals eat grass or plants, often moving slowly across a field while doing so.

  • The sheep love to graze on the fresh green grass.
  • Cattle graze in the open fields all day long.
feed

Use 'feed' to talk about giving food to animals or the process of animals eating.

  • Don't forget to feed the chickens in the morning.
  • The farmer feeds the pigs twice a day.
range

Use 'range' to describe a large open area where animals roam and feed, often used for wild or free-ranging livestock.

  • Wild horses can be seen running freely across the range.
  • Cattle on the range are able to find food and water on their own.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer pastures his cows in the field.
  • The shepherd pastures the sheep on the hillside.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agricultural Importance

  • Pastures are crucial for sustainable farming, allowing animals to graze naturally and reducing the need for artificial feed.
  • Well-managed pastures enhance soil health, promoting biodiversity and preventing soil erosion, which is vital for maintaining ecosystems.
  • In some cultures, the way pastureland is managed can influence local economies, such as through livestock products like cheese and beef.

Cultural Significance

  • In many pastoral societies, pastureland is a symbol of wealth and community, as it directly relates to the herding lifestyle and agricultural practices.
  • Folk and artistic traditions often portray tranquil scenes featuring pastures, animals, and nature, emphasizing harmony with the environment.
  • Pastures have inspired poetry and literature, highlighting man's bond with nature, often depicted as idyllic settings in romantic works.

Ecological Role

  • Pastures contribute to carbon sequestration by enabling plants to absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.
  • Mixed grazing systems, where different animal species share pasture, promote greater plant diversity and healthier ecosystems.
  • They serve as critical habitats for various wildlife species, offering refuge and benefiting local biodiversity.

Modern Practices

  • Today, techniques like rotational grazing are used to ensure pastures stay healthy, allowing periods of rest for plant regrowth.
  • Researchers study pastures closely to develop better land management practices, increasing productivity while promoting sustainability.
  • Technological advancements, like drones and satellite imagery, are employed to monitor pasture health and enhance animal welfare in livestock farming.

Origin of 'pasture'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'pasture,' which means 'food for animals' and is derived from the Latin 'pastura,' meaning 'grazing.'
  • Its roots relate to the Latin word 'pascere,' which means 'to feed' or 'to graze,' linking it directly to the act of animals eating.
  • The term was first used in English around the 14th century, reflecting the importance of livestock farming in agriculture.

The word 'pasture' originated from the Middle English word 'pastur', which is derived from the Old French word 'pasture', meaning 'food for cattle'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to land covered with grass for animals to graze.

See also: antipasto, past, pasta, paste, pastime, pastor, pasty.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,671 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.