plural calves
ˈkavz 
ˈkävz,
ˈkāvz
also calfs
often attributive
1
a
: the young of the domestic cow
also
: that of a closely related mammal (such as a bison)
b
: the young of various large animals (such as the elephant or whale)
2
3
: an awkward or silly youth
plural calves
ˈkavz
ˈkävz
: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee
The cat rubbed against her calves.
Examples of calf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
She’s only played in 13 of the Indiana Fever’s 25 games so far — even missing this year’s WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis — with calf and groin injuries.
—Larry Holder, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The Coloradoan reports the Copper Creek Pack alone is responsible for eight calf kills in Pitkin County this year and also for most of the 18 depredations in Grand County last year.
—Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
That's exactly what the Z1 knee exoskeleton does, reportedly offering a 50% boost in the wearer's calf and thigh strength while reducing knee pressure by 200%.
—Ben Coxworth
july 23, New Atlas, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for calf
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.
Noun
Burrow has had multiple injuries in the past – ACL, calf and wrist along with an appendectomy – but the slow Cincinnati starts have worn on him mentally.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
She’s only played in 13 of the Indiana Fever’s 25 games so far — even missing this year’s WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis — with calf and groin injuries.
—Larry Holder, New York Times, 25 July 2025
The Coloradoan reports the Copper Creek Pack alone is responsible for eight calf kills in Pitkin County this year and also for most of the 18 depredations in Grand County last year.
—Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025
That's exactly what the Z1 knee exoskeleton does, reportedly offering a 50% boost in the wearer's calf and thigh strength while reducing knee pressure by 200%.
—Ben Coxworth
july 23, New Atlas, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for calf
Cite this Entry
“Calf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calf. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
calf
2 of 2 noun
plural calves
: the fleshy or muscular back part of the leg below the knee
Etymology
Noun
Old English cealf "young cow"
Noun
Middle English calf "part of the leg"; of Norse origin
Medical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share