VocabDictionary

working animal

/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ ˈænɪməl/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An animal kept and trained by humans to perform specific tasks, such as labor, transportation, agriculture, or security, rather than kept as a pet.

Example Sentences:
  • Oxen and horses have historically served as essential working animals in agriculture.
  • Working animals such as sled dogs require specialized care and high-energy diets to maintain their stamina.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “working animal”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term combines the Old English 'wyrcan' (to labor, function, or perform work) with the Latin 'animal' (a living being, from 'anima' meaning breath or soul). It emerged naturally as agricultural and industrial societies increasingly categorized non-human species kept and trained primarily for labor rather than companionship or food.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of animals that 'work' just like humans do on a farm or pulling loads.

Frequently Asked Questions About “working animal

1. What is the meaning of “working animal” in English?

In English, working animal (noun) is defined as: “An animal kept and trained by humans to perform specific tasks, such as labor, transportation, agriculture, or security, rather than kept as a pet.”.

2. How do you use “working animal” in a sentence?

Oxen and horses have historically served as essential working animals in agriculture.

3. What are English synonyms of “working animal”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “working animal”?

The term combines the Old English 'wyrcan' (to labor, function, or perform work) with the Latin 'animal' (a living being, from 'anima' meaning breath or soul). It emerged naturally as agricultural and industrial societies increasingly categorized non-human species kept and trained primarily for labor rather than companionship or food.