noun

oxen

OK-suhn

Oxen (noun) means the plural of ox — large cattle traditionally used for pulling ploughs, carts, or heavy loads. Example: “The farmers used a team of oxen to plough the field before tractors were common.”

noun

The plural of ox — large cattle traditionally used for pulling ploughs, carts, or heavy loads.

"The farmers used a team of oxen to plough the field before tractors were common."

"A pair of oxen dragged the heavy cart up the muddy hill."

How to use oxen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMore than one ox — big, strong cattle bred for pulling heavy loads.

Common mistake

It is one of the few English nouns that still forms its plural with -en instead of -s (like children, not like "oxes").

Common pairings

a team of oxen yoke of oxen

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The farmers used a team of _____ to plough the field before tractors were common.

Etymology

From Old English oxan, an old plural form that survives in modern English alongside children and brethren, going back to a Germanic root for "ox."

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “oxen” mean?

The word “oxen” means the plural of ox — large cattle traditionally used for pulling ploughs, carts, or heavy loads. In plain terms, more than one ox — big, strong cattle bred for pulling heavy loads.

How do you pronounce “oxen”?

“Oxen” is pronounced OK-suhn (/ˈɑksən/ in IPA).

How do you use “oxen” in a sentence?

Here is “oxen” used in a sentence: “The farmers used a team of oxen to plough the field before tractors were common.”

What part of speech is “oxen”?

“Oxen” is a noun.

Where does the word “oxen” come from?

The word “oxen” comes from Old English. From Old English oxan, an old plural form that survives in modern English alongside children and brethren, going back to a Germanic root for "ox.".