livestock
UK: ˈlaɪvstɒk | US: ˈlaɪvstɑːk
n. Farm animals regarded as an asset or commodity, such as cattle, sheep, or pigs.
livestock = live<alive> + stock<supply or wealth>
- live (from Old English līf "life") → Retains the sense of "living" or "alive."
- stock (from Old English stocc "trunk, post, supply") → Evolved to mean "wealth" or "assets," especially in agriculture.
Etymology Origin:
The word livestock emerged in Middle English (13th century) as a compound of live (referring to living creatures) and stock (originally meaning "stump" but later extended to "wealth in animals"). It reflects the agricultural economy’s focus on animals as movable wealth. The term’s logic lies in contrasting livestock (living assets) with deadstock (tools or non-living farm assets).
The farmer sold half his livestock to pay off debts.
Proper care is essential to maintain healthy livestock.
Drought conditions threatened the region’s livestock.
Livestock markets are vital to rural economies.
The new barn provides shelter for all our livestock.