estrous

adjective

es·​trous ˈe-strəs How to pronounce estrous (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of estrus
2
: being in heat

Examples of estrous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By contrast, participants using contraceptive pills showed no estrous earnings peak. Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 Get the Attention of Post-Rut Bucks A container of long-lasting, weather-resistant doe estrous deer attractant placed crosswind to your stand can be a late-season difference-maker. 47. Outdoor Life, 19 Nov. 2019 Every fall, a handful of does come into estrous about a month before the main event, and the chaos these early-cycling deer create is pretty significant. Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 6 Sep. 2023 Meanwhile, gusty winds blow estrous scent over hill and dale, and bucks become frantic to find its sources. Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 3 Apr. 2023 That male was part of a group of four males who were harassing an estrous female, when out of nowhere, her three coalition partners came swooping in to her aid. David P. Barash, WSJ, 17 May 2022 Mature bucks use a circuit of routes when the pre-rut kicks in to seek out estrous does. Gerald Almy, Field & Stream, 1 Dec. 2020 With just a smattering of does coming into estrous, the main whitetail rut is on its last legs. Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 20 Oct. 2020 But now, with only a few estrous does left, the sweet scent of one can bring a buck running to you on a string. Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 4 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'estrous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of estrous was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near estrous

Cite this Entry

“Estrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estrous. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

estrous

adjective
es·​trous ˈes-trəs How to pronounce estrous (audio)
variants or chiefly British oestrous
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of estrus
2
: being in heat
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!