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.
First, only leadership can kill sacred cows. — Mark Lewis, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026 One sacred cow that the state should re-examine is its renewable energy mandates. — Josiah Neeley, Oc Register, 2 Feb. 2026 These bloated and inefficient school districts are sacred cows whose tax bases, and our tax bills, are growing without restraint. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026 No one is untradeable in the NBA, and there are no sacred cows on this roster, just a bunch of Bulls. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 6 May 2026 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

Rhymes for sacred cow

See All Rhymes for sacred cow

Browse Nearby Words

sacred bo tree
sacred cow
sacred ear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sacred cow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacred%20cow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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