What does cow mean?
A cow is an adult female of domestic cattle, an animal kept worldwide for milk, meat, leather, and labour, and one of humanity's oldest domesticated livestock. In strict agricultural usage, the term applies to a mature female that has given birth to a calf, distinguishing her from younger heifers and from bulls. By extension, biologists use 'cow' for the adult female of other large mammals, including whales, elephants, and seals. The word also functions as a verb meaning to intimidate or subdue through fear, most often seen in the passive construction 'to be cowed into silence.' Figuratively, 'cow' anchors several idiomatic expressions: a 'sacred cow' is a belief or institution regarded as beyond criticism, while a 'cash cow' is a dependable source of steady income. Deeply embedded in language, religion, and rural life — notably revered in Hindu culture — the cow is among the most culturally significant animals in human history.
An adult female of domestic cattle, kept chiefly for milk or breeding; also the adult female of other large mammals such as whales and elephants.
"A single cow can produce several gallons of milk a day."
In farming terminology, strictly a female that has borne a calf; a mature female that has not is called a heifer.
To frighten or intimidate someone into submission or compliance.
"The committee was cowed into withdrawing its report."
Overwhelmingly used in the passive voice ('be cowed into doing something'); the active form is rare in modern usage.
Regular plural; 'cattle' serves as the collective plural term for the species as a whole, regardless of sex.
"The field was full of grazing cows."
Research has shown that cows form close friendships — and that being separated from a 'best friend' measurably raises their stress levels.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cow
The noun 'cow' derives from Old English 'cū', which traces back to Proto-Germanic '*kūz', making it a true cognate of German 'Kuh' and Dutch 'koe'. It belongs to an ancient Indo-European word family for cattle, ultimately connected to the root behind Latin 'bos'. The verb 'to cow', meaning to intimidate, has an entirely separate origin, coming from Old Norse 'kúga', meaning to oppress or crush.
Related word forms
How cow is actually used
As a noun, 'cow' is neutral register and universally understood, though in farming contexts it specifically denotes an adult female that has calved, as distinct from a heifer. As a verb, 'to cow' is fairly formal and always appears in the passive ('be cowed into') far more often than the active voice. In some dialects of British English, 'cow' is used informally as a mildly derogatory term for a person, usually a woman.