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heifer

noun

heif·​er ˈhe-fər How to pronounce heifer (audio)
: a young cow
especially : one that has not had a calf

Examples of heifer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To rebuild herds, ranchers must hold on to heifers rather than sending them out to meat processors. Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025 While there are many ranchers sitting on the sidelines waiting for better economic conditions and incentives to grow their herds, Clement is investing in his ranch and is continuing to buy heifers to grow his operation. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025 Children wearing cowboy boots and oversized belt buckles led heifers and steers around a shiny, new show area. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 16 Oct. 2025 There were posing frames with the biggest pumpkin, a bragging-sized giant cotton rainbow bass and a cutout and directions for posing with a giant heifer. Kathy Berdan, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for heifer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hayfare, from Old English hēahfore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heifer was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heifer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

heifer

noun
heif·​er ˈhef-ər How to pronounce heifer (audio)
: a young cow
especially : one that has not had a calf

More from Merriam-Webster on heifer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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