pastoralism

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

Definition of pastoralism

1 : the quality or style characteristic of pastoral writing

2 a : livestock raising

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

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pastoralist

play \ˈpa-st(ə-)rə-list\ noun or adjective

Recent Examples of pastoralism from the Web

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.