heifer

noun

heif·​er ˈhe-fər How to pronounce heifer (audio)
: a young cow
especially : one that has not had a calf

Examples of heifer in a Sentence

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.
Gus Mundt, a fourth-generation Montana rancher and dad to a 3-year-old girl, braced at the thought of selling his heifers at lower prices. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 In addition, breeding a heifer keeps her out of the food supply, tightening it further as the herd is rebuilt. — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 When they got married, a family friend gave them a White Park heifer as a wedding present. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 May 2026 Guided by generations of instinct, even a heifer, a first-time mother, almost always knows exactly what to do. — Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for heifer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hayfare, from Old English hēahfore

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heifer was before the 12th century

Rhymes for heifer

See All Rhymes for heifer

Browse Nearby Words

Heidelberg man
heifer
heiferette
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Cite this Entry

“Heifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heifer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heifer

noun
heif·​er ˈhef-ər How to pronounce heifer (audio)
: a young cow
especially : one that has not had a calf

More from Merriam-Webster on heifer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heifer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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