# cows

/ˈkaʊz/ (US) · /kˈaʊz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cows
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. farm animals

noun · CEFR A1

more than one cow; large animals kept on farms for milk or beef.

For teachers: the plural form of cow, referring to mature female bovines or cattle in general.

- The cows were grazing peacefully in the green field behind the barn.
- The farmer moved the cows to the upper pasture to ensure they had access to fresh grass throughout the dry summer months.

### 2. to intimidate

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to frighten or threaten someone so they do what you want.

For teachers: to intimidate or overawe someone, typically through a show of force or authority. Transitive in use.

- He often cows his younger brothers into doing his chores for him.
- The dictator cows the local population into submission through a combination of economic pressure and the constant threat of military intervention.

Usage: This is the third-person singular form of the verb 'to cow'.

## Examples

- The cows are eating grass in the field.
- The farmer milks the cows every morning before the sun comes up.
- In many rural economies, the health of the cows is directly linked to the financial stability of the community, as they provide both immediate sustenance and tradeable goods.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.