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graze

verb

/greɪz/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of graze

The act of feeding on grass or other vegetation by nibbling or cropping it with the teeth.
"The hiker stopped to graze on a granola bar, replenishing their energy for the journey ahead."

Detailed meaning of graze

It commonly applies to animals, such as cows, horses, or sheep, as they graze on pastures. Grazing involves consuming small amounts of vegetation at a time while moving across an area, usually in a leisurely and unhurried manner. The action of grazing is characterized by the gentle and repetitive motion of the animal's mouth as it bites off pieces of grass or plants. In a broader sense, "graze" can also describe the act of skimming or brushing lightly against a surface, without causing any significant damage. It implies a superficial contact or slight interaction, often leaving a superficial mark or touch. Additionally, "graze" can be used metaphorically to indicate a passing encounter or a brief engagement with a topic, idea, or concept.

Example sentences containing graze

1. The cows graze peacefully in the meadow.
2. The sheep graze on the green hillside.
3. Horses graze on the lush grass in the pasture.
4. Deer graze on the outskirts of the forest.
5. The goats graze on the shrubs and bushes.
6. The rabbits graze on the tender leaves of the lettuce.

History and etymology of graze

The verb 'graze' has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word 'græsian,' which meant 'to feed on grass.' In turn, 'græsian' is connected to the Proto-Germanic word '*grasan,' which has the same meaning. The core idea behind the etymology of 'graze' is the act of animals feeding on grass or vegetation by nibbling or cropping it with their teeth. This word has retained its fundamental association with this specific type of feeding behavior throughout its linguistic history, making it a fitting term to describe the activity of herbivores as they consume plant material close to the ground, similar to how they did in ancient times.

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Further usage examples of graze

1. The kangaroos graze on the open plains.
2. The cattle graze in the field near the farmhouse.
3. The giraffes gracefully graze on the treetops.
4. The elephants graze on the tall grasses in the savannah.
5. The geese graze near the pond, searching for food.
6. The reindeer graze on the moss-covered ground in the Arctic.
7. The buffaloes graze along the riverbank.
8. The goats graze on the rocky mountainside.
9. The llamas graze on the high-altitude grasslands.
10. The donkeys graze on the dry desert vegetation.
11. The antelopes graze in harmony with the zebras on the African plain.
12. The ibex graze on the steep cliffs of the mountain.
13. The camels graze on the sparse vegetation of the desert.
14. The bison graze on the prairie, moving in large herds.