pastoralism

noun

pas·​to·​ral·​ism ˈpa-st(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce pastoralism (audio)
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
pastoralist noun or adjective

Examples of pastoralism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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One 2024 study of ancient DNA tracked the genetic changes in Europe amid major migrations and the transition to farming and pastoralism. Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025 Rather than being constantly on the move, traditional Maasai pastoralism has been more about strategic relocation. Christine Ro, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 For her, this discovery adds to the evidence that nomadic dairy pastoralism has sustained Mongolians for thousands of years. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2024 Jason King, the dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, says that the lyrics of the song, which are about the life cycle of a flower, evoke pastoralism and nostalgia, which contributes to its appeal. Cady Lang, TIME, 17 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for pastoralism

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pastoralism was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Pastoralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastoralism. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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