sacred cow

noun

: one that is often unreasonably immune from criticism or opposition

Examples of sacred cow in a Sentence

The old government program has become a sacred cow.
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.
This sacred cow might not be such a blessing after all. Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 Then again, there are no sacred cows in the Padres’ farm system. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025 At 34 years old, Stockman's youthful assurance and irreverence for sacred cows of all kinds soon upset many of his former colleagues on the Hill. Ron Elving, NPR, 17 May 2025 Canadian multiculturalism is a sacred cow – Mr. Poilievre’s wife, Anaida Poilievre, was born in Venezuela – and marks key electoral battlegrounds. Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sacred cow

Word History

Etymology

from the veneration of the cow by Hindus

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sacred cow was in 1910

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Cite this Entry

“Sacred cow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacred%20cow. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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