# Hayward

/ˈheɪwɝd/ (US) · /hˈeɪwəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hayward
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. historical farm official

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a person in the past whose job was to protect farm crops from animals and people.

For teachers: an officer in charge of fences and hedges, responsible for preventing cattle from straying into growing crops.

- In the old village records, the hayward was responsible for fixing the broken fences.
- The medieval manor relied on the hayward to ensure that livestock did not encroach upon the common fields during the harvest season.

### 2. kiwifruit variety

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a specific type of green kiwifruit that is very common in shops.

For teachers: the most widely grown commercial cultivar of kiwifruit, Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa.

- The Hayward is the most popular kiwi because it stays fresh for a long time.
- Commercial orchards predominantly favour the Hayward variety due to its superior storage characteristics and uniform fruit size.

## Examples

- The hayward checked the fences every morning to protect the crops.
- In medieval English villages, the hayward was responsible for impounding any stray animals found in the common fields.
- The records of the manorial court indicate that the hayward was frequently called to testify regarding broken hedges and the subsequent damage to the lord's harvest.

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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.
