herd

"Herd" is a word with a few closely related meanings. It works as both a noun and a verb, and it can be used literally (about animals) or figuratively (about people). Here are its most common and useful senses.

1nouna group of animals

A herd is a large group of animals of the same kind that live or move together. Think of cows grazing in a field, or elephants walking across a plain — when they are together as a group, that group is called a herd.

everyday language, nature, farming · Modern, widely used

A herd of cattle was grazing peacefully on the hillside.

We watched a herd of elephants cross the river.

The farmer counted his herd every morning.

2nounfigurativea large crowd of people

When people use 'herd' to talk about humans, it usually means a large, disorganized crowd — and it often carries a slightly negative feeling, suggesting the people are all acting the same way without thinking for themselves.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

A herd of tourists rushed toward the famous painting.

He did not want to follow the herd — he preferred to make his own decisions.

The concert ended and a herd of people pushed toward the exit.

3verbto move animals as a group

When you herd animals, you guide or drive them to move together in a particular direction. A shepherd herds sheep; a cowboy herds cattle. You are controlling where the group goes.

farming, everyday language · Modern, widely used

The farmer herded the sheep into the pen before the storm.

The dog was trained to herd cattle across the field.

It took two hours to herd all the goats back to the barn.

4verbfigurativeto move or guide people like animals

You can also use 'herd' as a verb for people. It means to push or guide a group of people to move somewhere, often in a way that feels rushed or impersonal — as if they were animals being driven along.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

The teacher herded the children onto the bus.

Security guards herded the crowd away from the stage.

We were herded into a small waiting room with no chairs.