cattle-show
Definition
Noun: A "cattle-show" is a competitive exhibition or fair where cattle (domesticated bovine animals such as cows, bulls, and oxen) are displayed, judged, and often awarded prizes based on their breed, quality, and condition. It is primarily an event in agricultural communities.
Usage Examples
- (An exhibition for judging and displaying cattle.)
- (A competitive agricultural fair.)
Advanced Usage
- "to run a cattle-show": to organize or manage such an exhibition.
- The agricultural society runs the cattle-show every year to promote farming. (They organize the event.)
- "cattle-show judge": a person who evaluates the animals based on specific standards.
- The cattle-show judge examined each bull for conformation and health. (The evaluator.)
Variants and Related Words
- Cattle (n): domesticated bovine animals.
- The farmer raised cattle for milk and meat. (The animals themselves.)
- Show (n): a public display or exhibition.
- The dog show was held alongside the cattle-show. (A general exhibition.)
- Cattle-showing (n): the activity of presenting cattle at such events.
- Cattle-showing requires knowledge of animal husbandry. (The practice.)
Synonyms
- Livestock exhibition: an event where farm animals are displayed.
- Agricultural fair: a broader event that may include cattle-shows.
- Stock show: a similar term used for showing various livestock.
Related Idioms
- "to make a cattle-show of": (informal, rare) to create a chaotic or messy display, derived from the confusion of animals.
- The children made a cattle-show of the living room with their toys. (Created a disorderly mess.)
Usage Notes
- "Cattle-show" is a compound noun, typically written with a hyphen. It is used primarily in British and Australian English. In American English, the term "cattle show" (without hyphen) or "livestock show" is more common. The event often includes other competitions, such as for sheep, pigs, or horses, but the word specifically refers to cattle.