# oxen

/ˈɑksən/ (US) · /ˈɒksən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oxen
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. plural of ox

noun · CEFR B2

more than one ox; large animals used for pulling heavy farm equipment.

For teachers: the irregular plural form of ox; refers to large, usually castrated male cattle trained as draft animals.

- The farmer used a pair of oxen to pull the heavy wooden plough through the field.
- Historically, teams of oxen were preferred over horses for heavy hauling due to their immense strength and steady temperament.

Usage: This is an irregular plural noun; it does not follow the standard '-s' or '-es' pattern.

Teaching tip: While 'ox' is A2/B1, the irregular plural 'oxen' is often taught at higher levels as a classic example of Germanic plural remnants.

## Examples

- The farmer used two oxen to pull the heavy wooden cart.
- Before the invention of the tractor, many farmers relied on teams of oxen to prepare their fields for planting.
- The historical narrative describes how the pioneers' heavy wagons were hauled across the rugged mountain passes by teams of sturdy oxen, moving slowly but reliably through the mud.

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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.