plural cows
1
a
: a large animal that is raised by people for milk or meat usually on a farm
horses, chickens, and cows
especially
: the adult female of this animal
The cows need to be milked twice a day.
b
: an adult female of some other large animals (such as elephants, whales, and seals)
2
chiefly British slang, offensive
: a woman who is stupid or annoying
You stupid cow!
cows; cowed; cowing
: to make (someone) too afraid to do something : intimidate
I refuse to be cowed by their threats.
They were cowed into silence by threats. [=they did not complain, publicly say anything, etc., because they had been threatened]
Cite this Entry
“Cow.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cow. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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