heifer

noun

heif·​er ˈhe-fər How to pronounce heifer (audio)
: a young cow
especially : one that has not had a calf

Examples of heifer in a Sentence

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.
Youngsters wearing cowboy boots and oversized belt buckles led heifers and steers around a shiny, new show area. — Sophie Hartley, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 The Hulls also grow corn and hay and raise Angus calves and replacement heifers. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 The Hulls grow corn and hay and also raise Angus calves and replacement heifers. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026 When they got married, a family friend gave them a White Park heifer as a wedding present. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for heifer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hayfare, from Old English hēahfore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heifer was before the 12th century

Rhymes for heifer

See All Rhymes for heifer

Browse Nearby Words

Heidelberg man
heifer
heiferette
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heifer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heifer

noun
heif·​er ˈhef-ər How to pronounce heifer (audio)
: a young cow
especially : one that has not had a calf

More from Merriam-Webster on heifer

Nglish: Translation of heifer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heifer

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