# hogg

/ˈhɑɡ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a young sheep that has not been shorn yet, usually between one and two years old. Farmers use this word to describe the animal's age and stage of growth.

For teachers: a young sheep from the time it is weaned until it is shorn for the first time, typically between one and two years of age. Often used in agricultural contexts to denote a specific developmental stage.

## Examples

- The farmer moved the hogg to a different field for the winter.
- During the spring auction, the price for a healthy hogg remained steady despite the recent cold weather.
- In traditional upland farming, the management of each hogg is crucial, as their survival through the first harsh winter determines the future productivity of the entire flock.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the hogg meat" but "hogget" — While 'hogg' refers to the living animal, the meat from a sheep of this age is specifically called 'hogget'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in British and Scottish agricultural dialects; sometimes spelled 'hog'.

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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.
