Definition

Noun: A breed of large dairy cattle that originated in the northern provinces of the Netherlands, specifically Friesland and North Holland. It is characterized by its distinctive black-and-white or red-and-white spotted coat pattern and is primarily bred for high milk production.

Usage

The term "Holstein-Friesian" is used as a singular noun to refer to an individual animal of this breed or as a plural noun to refer to the breed collectively. It is a proper noun and is often capitalized.

Examples

• The farm specializes in breeding Holstein-Friesian cattle for their exceptional milk yield.
• That Holstein-Friesian produces over 30 liters of milk per day.
• Holstein-Friesians are the most common dairy breed in many countries.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes shortened informally to "Holstein," especially in North America, though "Holstein-Friesian" remains the technically correct breed name.
• In agricultural contexts, it is common to refer to the breed's characteristics, such as "Holstein-Friesian genetics" or "Holstein-Friesian herd."

Variants and Related Words

• Holstein (noun): A common shortened form of Holstein-Friesian.
• Friesian (noun): A name used primarily in Europe and other regions for the same breed.
• Dairy cattle (noun phrase): The general category of cattle bred for milk production, to which the Holstein-Friesian belongs.

Synonyms

• Dairy cow (general term)
• Milch cow (archaic or technical term)

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "Holstein-Friesian" refers specifically to the cattle breed. It is not used idiomatically or as part of common phrasal verbs. Its meaning is fixed within the domain of agriculture and animal husbandry.

Noun

1. a breed of dairy cattle from northern Holland