pastoralism

noun

pas·to·ral·ism | \ ˈpa-st(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm

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Definition of pastoralism

1 : the quality or style characteristic of pastoral writing

2a : livestock raising

b : social organization based on livestock raising as the primary economic activity

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Examples of pastoralism in a Sentence

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The Himba response to the aridity of Kaokoland is nomadic pastoralism. — Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, "Going Off-Grid in Namibia," 21 Dec. 2018 There is still a green thread of pastoralism, with Delius, Butterworth and Bax all represented, and Mr. Elder seems most comfortable in that idiom. — David Allen, New York Times, "A Critic’s First Orchestra Defines Britain’s Musical Soul," 15 June 2018 Many conflicts play out in rural areas characterized by smallholder agriculture or pastoralism. — Leah Samberg, USA TODAY, "World hunger increases for the first time in 15 years," 19 Oct. 2017 The human population of the reserve belongs to two main ethnic groups, Touaregs and Peulhs, totalling close to 20,000 inhabitants, whose main activity is nomadic pastoralism. — Alex Treadway, National Geographic, "UN Announces 23 New Nature Reserves While U.S. Removes 17," 14 June 2017 The main livelihood activities are pastoralism (raising of cows, goats, sheep and camels) and/or subsistence farming — raising food crops for one’s household. — Vincent Kituku, idahostatesman, "Drought produces famine in Kenya," 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pastoralism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near pastoralism

Pastoral Epistle

pastoralization

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The first known use of pastoralism was in 1842

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