herd
herd Lexical Profile
herd Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live, feed, or migrate together or are kept together as livestock.
"A vast herd of elephants moved slowly across the dusty savanna toward the watering hole."
A large group of people considered collectively, especially one perceived as acting unthinkingly or conforming to social pressure (often derogatory).
"Independent thinkers often prefer to question popular trends rather than blindly follow the herd."
A person who tends, drives, or watches over livestock (now used chiefly in compound words such as shepherd, cowherd, or goatherd).
"The village herd led the cattle up into the high mountain pastures for the summer months."
• verb
To tend, care for, or drive a group of livestock such as cattle or sheep.
"The border collie expertly herded the sheep through the narrow wooden gate."
To move or guide a group of people together in a particular direction as if they were a flock of animals.
"Tour guides quickly herded the visitors into the museum lobby before the rainstorm began."
To gather, associate, or move together in a group or pack (of animals or people).
"During the harsh winter months, the deer herd together in the sheltered valley for warmth and protection."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'herd' with its homophone 'heard', which is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'hear'. As a collective noun, 'herd' typically takes a singular verb in American English, though a plural verb may be used in British English when emphasizing the individual animals.
• Rhymes for herd
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'heord' (meaning a flock, band, or company), which descends from the Proto-Germanic '*herdo' and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root '*kerdh-' (meaning a row, group, or herd).