ox

1 of 2

noun

ˈäks How to pronounce ox (audio)
plural oxen ˈäk-sən How to pronounce ox (audio) also ox
1
: a domestic bovine mammal (Bos taurus)
broadly : a bovine mammal
a team of oxen
2
: an adult castrated male domestic ox

ox-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or oxo-
: oxygen
oxacillin

Examples of ox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In astrology, the man represents the air sign Aquarius, the eagle represents the water sign Scorpio, the ox symbolizes the earth sign Taurus and the lion embodies the fire sign Leo. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024 The twelve zodiac animals include a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, pig and dog. —Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024 Zodiac animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 11 June 2024 On October 29, Netanyahu invoked the Amalek, a Biblical term that conjures an evil enemy that is to be destroyed down to the last ox and sheep. —Hazlitt, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ox 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ox.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English oxa; akin to Old High German ohso ox, Sanskrit ukṣā bull, and perhaps to Sanskrit ukṣati he moistens, Greek hygros wet — more at humor entry 1

Combining form

French, from oxygène

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ox was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing ox

Dictionary Entries Near ox

owyheeite

ox

ox-

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Cite this Entry

“Ox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ox. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

ox

noun
ˈäks How to pronounce ox (audio)
plural oxen ˈäk-sən How to pronounce ox (audio) also ox
1
: a common large domesticated bovine mammal which is kept for milk, draft, and meat and of which the female is a cow and the male a bull
especially : an adult castrated male
2
: any various related bovine mammals (as the buffalo)

More from Merriam-Webster on ox

Nglish: Translation of ox for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ox for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ox

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