WordGarden.ioudder
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌdə/
US
- /ˈʌdər/noun
Meanings
Noun
the milk-producing organ of a cow, goat, or other female mammal
Beyond the definition
The udder is the large milk-producing organ found on female animals such as cows, goats, and sheep. It is the part that holds and releases milk, usually through teats, so the young can feed. People also talk about it when animals are milked on a farm. The word is mainly used for these larger farm animals, not for humans or small pets.
The udder is the milk-producing organ of certain female mammals, especially cows, goats, and sheep. It is the soft part under the belly that contains mammary glands and ends in teats, where milk comes out. After giving birth, the animal produces milk there to feed its young. On farms, the word is also common when people talk about milking, animal care, and dairy production.
The word is usually used for larger animals with a visible milk bag rather than for humans, cats, or dogs. For example, people may say that a cow's udder is full before milking, or that a goat's udder needs to be checked for health. In a dairy cow, it is usually divided into four parts, each with its own teat. The word can also appear in farming, veterinary, and nature writing, where it points both to the animal's role as a mother and to its importance in milk production.
Examples
- 1
Newborn animal
The calf moved closer to its mother's udder as soon as it was born.
- 2
Milking preparation
Before milking the cow, the farmer washed her udder.
- 3
Veterinary check
The vet examined the goat because one side of its udder looked swollen.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- uddernoun
Forms
- udderspluralnoun