cow
1the mature female of a bovine animal, especially of the genus Bos.
the female of certain other mammals, as elephants, seals, and whales.
Informal. a domestic bovine of either sex and any age.
Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.
a contemptible woman, especially one who is fat, stupid, lazy, etc.
a woman who has a large number of children or is frequently pregnant.
Idioms about cow
have a cow, Slang. to become very angry or upset; throw a fit: My mom will have a cow when she hears I'm moving.
till / until the cows come home, for a long time; forever: You can keep arguing till the cows come home, but I won't change my mind.
Origin of cow
1Other words from cow
- cow·like, adjective
Other definitions for cow (2 of 2)
to frighten with threats, violence, etc.; intimidate; overawe.
Origin of cow
2Other words for cow
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for cow (1 of 2)
/ (kaʊ) /
the mature female of any species of cattle, esp domesticated cattle
the mature female of various other mammals, such as the elephant, whale, and seal
(not in technical use) any domestic species of cattle
informal a disagreeable woman
Australian and NZ slang something objectionable (esp in the phrase a fair cow)
till the cows come home informal for a very long time; effectively for ever
Origin of cow
1British Dictionary definitions for cow (2 of 2)
/ (kaʊ) /
(tr) to frighten or overawe, as with threats
Origin of cow
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with cow
In addition to the idiom beginning with cow
- cow college
also see:
- cash cow
- holy cow
- sacred cow
- till the cows come home
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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