livestock

noun

live·​stock ˈlīv-ˌstäk How to pronounce livestock (audio)
Synonyms of livestocknext
: animals kept or raised for use or pleasure
especially : farm animals kept for use and profit

Examples of livestock in a Sentence

a market where livestock are bought and sold a market where livestock is bought and sold
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The grave dates to a period when people were transitioning from hunting and gathering to living in permanent settlements, farming and raising livestock, according to officials. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 In addition to being barred from ever owning livestock again, Barr’s plea agreement prevents him from owning or living with any type of animal for 15 years, according to PETA. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 Beyond all that open space, the ranch comes with extensive water rights, allowing water to be diverted from Trout Creek and Flint Creek for livestock and irrigation. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026 The stand-in for Barton Cottage, a single-room house in southern Devon more suited to livestock than people, didn’t come quite so ready-made — or with a roof. — Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for livestock

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of livestock was circa 1687

Rhymes for livestock

See All Rhymes for livestock

Browse Nearby Words

live steam
livestock
live storage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Livestock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/livestock. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

livestock

noun
live·​stock ˈlīv-ˌstäk How to pronounce livestock (audio)
: animals kept or raised
especially : farm animals kept for use and profit

More from Merriam-Webster on livestock

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for livestock

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about livestock

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