adj
bovine
BOH-vyn
Bovine (adj) means relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison. Example: “The vet specialises in bovine diseases.”
adj
1
Relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison.
"The vet specialises in bovine diseases."
2
Slow-witted, dull, or sluggish, like the stereotype of a placid cow.
"The inevitable consequence of handling complex international issues with cruel and bovine simplicity is to spread fear, uncertainty and instability."
— , The Guardian view on Trump’s foreign policy: an alarming new order takes shape (2025)
"He gave a bovine stare that suggested he hadn't understood a word."
"For reasons which are really a matter for a trainee psychoanalyst, who plays James Bond is a big thing for Spencer. To this end, he has unleashed a series of thoughts so bovine that I’ll just give you one for a little flavour."
— Marina Hyde, Sorry to break it to you, far-righters: James Bond is not on your team (2018)
How to use bovine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with cattle, or (informally) dull and slow to react.
Common pairings
bovine growth hormone
a bovine expression
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Word forms
- Plural
- bovines
- Comparative
- more bovine
- Superlative
- most bovine
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The vet specialises in _____ diseases.
Etymology
From Late Latin bovinus, "relating to cattle," from Latin bos, "ox" — the same root that gives us "beef."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for bovine
See all rhymes for bovine →Frequently asked questions
What does “bovine” mean?
The word “bovine” means relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison. In plain terms, to do with cattle, or (informally) dull and slow to react.
How do you pronounce “bovine”?
“Bovine” is pronounced BOH-vyn (/ˈboʊˌvaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bovine” in a sentence?
Here is “bovine” used in a sentence: “The vet specialises in bovine diseases.”
What part of speech is “bovine”?
“Bovine” is an adjective.
Where does the word “bovine” come from?
The word “bovine” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin bovinus, "relating to cattle," from Latin bos, "ox" — the same root that gives us "beef.".
How many meanings does “bovine” have?
“Bovine” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to cattle or animals in the same family, such as buffalo and bison.
