herdsman

UK: ˈhɜːdzmən | US: ˈhɜːrdzmən

Definition

  1. n. a person who takes care of and manages a herd of animals, especially livestock

Structure
herd <group of animals>s <plural/possessive>man <person>
Etymology

The word "herdsman" combines "herd," derived from Old English "heord" (a group of domesticated animals), with "man," indicating a person responsible for tending the herd. The "-s-" acts as a possessive or plural link, common in Old English compounds. The term reflects the agrarian roots of English, where roles tied to animal husbandry were linguistically straightforward.

Examples

  1. The herdsman guided the sheep across the meadow.

  2. As a skilled herdsman, he knew each cow by name.

  3. The village hired a new herdsman to manage their goats.

  4. Modern herdsmen often use drones to monitor large herds.

  5. The herdsman’s dog helped keep the cattle together.