graze
1 of 2verb/ɡɹeɪz/
Forms:grazes,grazing,grazed,grazed
1
(of sheep, cows, etc.) to feed on the grass in a field
C2- The sheep were allowed to graze freely in the meadow.
- The cows peacefully grazed in the pasture under the warm sun.
- Farmers rotate their livestock to different fields to ensure they have fresh areas to graze.
- The horses were content as they grazed on the lush green grass.
- The shepherd led the flock to graze on the hillside.
2
to cause injury to the surface of one's skin by rubbing it against something rough
transitive- She grazed her knee when she tripped over the rock.
- He accidentally grazed his arm against the rough wall while moving furniture.
- She grazed her hand on the sharp edge of the metal gate.
- She grazed her shin on the corner of the table.
- The tree branch grazed her face as she walked through the dense woods.
3
to eat small amounts of food or snacks throughout the day, often at irregular times
- She tends to graze all day, having small snacks between meals.
- I’m not hungry enough for a full meal, so I’ll just graze a little.
- She often grazes while watching TV, nibbling on chips or nuts.
- He spent the day grazing on sandwiches and snacks during his break.
- He’s always grazing, never really eating a full meal until dinner time.
Synonyms:
4
to lightly touch or brush against something, often causing a slight scratch or mark
transitive- The cat's claws grazed my arm as it jumped off the chair.
- The car grazed the side of the building, leaving a long scratch along the paint.
- The branches of the tree grazed the roof of the house during the storm, causing minor damage.
- The hiker's boot grazed the edge of the cliff, reminding them to watch their step carefully.
5
to allow animals to eat grass and other plants in a natural area
transitive- After the rain, the farmer grazed his cows on the fresh green grass.
- They decided to graze their sheep on the lush hillside.
- The landowner grazed his herd of buffalo on the wide plains.
- They grazed their cattle on the nearby pasture throughout the summer.
- The farmer decided to graze the sheep in the upper meadow where the grass was lush.