herdsman
/'hə:dzmən/
Definition
Noun: A person whose occupation is to tend, manage, or drive a herd of domesticated animals, such as cattle, sheep, or goats.
Usage
The term "herdsman" specifically refers to a person who cares for a group of animals as a collective unit (a herd). It implies responsibility for the animals' movement, protection, and general welfare, often over large areas of land.
Examples
- The herdsman guided the cattle across the vast prairie to fresh grazing land.
- For generations, his family has worked as herdsmen, managing their flock of sheep in the highlands.
- The herdsman kept a watchful eye on the herd for any signs of illness or predators.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: In a metaphorical sense, "herdsman" can describe someone who guides or manages a large group of people, though this is less common.
- The CEO was seen as the herdsman of the sprawling corporate empire, steering its many divisions.
Variants and Related Words
- Herder (noun): A more general synonym for someone who tends a herd. It can be used interchangeably with "herdsman" in many contexts.
- Drover (noun): Specifically refers to someone who drives herds of livestock over long distances, often to market.
- Shepherd (noun): Specifically refers to a person who tends and guards sheep. (A shepherd is a type of herdsman).
- Cowherd (noun): Specifically refers to a person who tends cattle.
- Goatherd (noun): Specifically refers to a person who tends goats.
Synonyms
- Herder
- Drover
- Shepherd (for sheep)
- Cowboy (in some contexts, particularly American English)
- Stockman
Antonyms
- Poacher (a person who hunts or steals animals illegally)
- Predator (an animal that hunts the herd)
Related Phrases
- To tend a/herd: To care for a herd.
- His job is to tend the herd on the northern pasture.
- To drive a herd: To make a herd move from one place to another.
- In the autumn, they drive the herd down from the mountains.
Noun
-
someone who drives a herd
