1
a
: a typically large group of animals of one kind kept together under human control
a herd of cattle
b
: a congregation of gregarious wild animals
herds of antelopes
2
a(1)
: a group of people usually having a common bond
a herd of tourists
(2)
: a large assemblage of like things
herds of cars
b
: the undistinguished masses : crowd
isolate the individual prophets from the herd—
Norman Cousins
Norman Cousins
herded; herding; herds
1
a
: to gather, lead, or drive as if in a herd (see herd entry 1 sense 1a)
herded the children into the car
b
: to keep or move (animals) together
dogs that are trained to herd sheep
2
: to place in a group
herd us with their kindred fools—Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift1
: to assemble or move in a herd (see herd entry 1)
herding onto the subway
2
: to place oneself in a group : associate
it is desirable that young noblemen should herd—Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter ScottExamples of herd in a Sentence
Noun
The herd grazed peacefully in the pasture.
A herd of shoppers waited anxiously for the store to open.
Verb
The horses were herded into the corral.
We left the hotel and were herded onto a bus.
They herded the students into the auditorium.
The commuters herded onto the train.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025
Or, go completely off-grid at this sustainable treehouse that sits on 23 acres shared by a herd of Highland cows.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
During this time, Babe bonds with fellow farm animals and learns to herd sheep.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for herd
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Noun
The scenic Lamar Valley is open year-round and known for wolf packs, bison herds, and snowy views.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2025
Or, go completely off-grid at this sustainable treehouse that sits on 23 acres shared by a herd of Highland cows.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Verb
Instead, you’re herded into the main new draw of the entire game, The Portal.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
During this time, Babe bonds with fellow farm animals and learns to herd sheep.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for herd
Cite this Entry
“Herd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herd. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
herd
1 of 2 noun1
: a number of animals of one kind kept or living together
2
: the common people
herd
2 of 2 verb1
: to assemble or come together into a herd or group
2
: to gather, lead, or drive a herd
herd cattle
herder
noun
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