# husbandry

/ˈhəzbəndɹi/ (US) · /hˈʌsbəndɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/husbandry
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the careful care and management of something, especially animals or crops. It is an old-fashioned word that people use to describe farming or keeping livestock.

For teachers: the careful management and care of animals or crops. Often used in the context of agricultural or livestock management, though it is now largely archaic in general usage.

## Examples

- The farmer practiced good husbandry to keep his cows healthy.
- In the eighteenth century, the success of a farm depended on the husbandry of the soil and the careful breeding of livestock.
- The ancient texts describe the meticulous husbandry required to maintain the delicate balance of the orchard, ensuring that the fruit trees remained productive despite the harsh local climate.

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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.