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
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Lopez sported an all-white ensemble of pants flared mid-calf and a bulbous jacket.
—Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
Listed as out were tackle Spencer Burford (knee) and wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf).
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
A couple walking their dogs were injured when a mama moose with a calf charged after the pets, Montana fire rescuers say.
—Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for calf
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Noun
Channel the polished and fun look with Quince’s Luna Stretch Flare Jeans that fit snuggly around the waist, hips, and thighs then flare around the calf to provide movement and a flattering silhouette.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Lopez sported an all-white ensemble of pants flared mid-calf and a bulbous jacket.
—Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025
Listed as out were tackle Spencer Burford (knee) and wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf).
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
A couple walking their dogs were injured when a mama moose with a calf charged after the pets, Montana fire rescuers say.
—Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 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
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