graze

¹graze

verb \ˈgrāz\

grazedgraz·ing

Definition of GRAZE

intransitive verb

1

: to feed on growing herbage, attached algae, or phytoplankton

2

: to eat small portions of food throughout the day

transitive verb

1

a : to crop and eat in the field

b : to feed on the herbage of

2

a : to put to graze

b : to put cattle to graze on

3

: to supply herbage for the grazing of

— graze·able or graz·able \ˈgrā-zə-bəl\ adjective

— graz·er noun

Origin of GRAZE

Middle English grasen, from Old English grasian, from græs grass

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

²graze

noun

Definition of GRAZE

1

: an act of grazing

2

: herbage for grazing

First Known Use of GRAZE

1857

³graze

verb

grazedgraz·ing

Definition of GRAZE

transitive verb

1

: to touch lightly in passing

2

: abrade, scratch <grazed her knee when she fell>

intransitive verb

: to touch or rub against something in passing

Origin of GRAZE

perhaps from ¹graze

First Known Use: 1604

⁴graze

noun

Definition of GRAZE

: a scraping along a surface or an abrasion made by it; especially : a superficial abrasion of the skin

First Known Use of GRAZE

1847