calf

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈkaf How to pronounce calf (audio) ˈkäf How to pronounce calf (audio)
dialectal also
ˈkāf How to pronounce calf (audio)
plural calves ˈkavz How to pronounce calf (audio)
ˈkävz,
ˈkāvz
also calfs
often attributive
1
a
: the young of the domestic cow
also : that of a closely related mammal (such as a bison)
b
: the young of various large animals (such as the elephant or whale)
2
plural calfs : the hide of the domestic calf
especially : calfskin
3
: an awkward or silly youth
calflike
ˈkaf-ˌlīk How to pronounce calf (audio)
ˈkäf-
 dialectal also  ˈkāf-
adjective

calf

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural calves ˈkavz How to pronounce calf (audio)
ˈkävz
: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee
The cat rubbed against her calves.
Phrases
in calf
: pregnant
used of a cow

Examples of calf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Brennan Johnson, making his first start after one month out with a calf injury, scored twice in the first half. Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 With nine-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo still shelved due to a lingering calf injury, perpetual Milwaukee Bucks Sixth Man of the Year contender Bobby Portis will now miss most of the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a surprising suspension. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025 Pros Water-repellent upper Available in wide sizes Not as pricey as other boots on this list Cons Not available in different calf sizes Few color options A tall, slouchy suede boot with slightly Western vibes? Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 20 Feb. 2025 Gordon returned from his calf injury on Jan. 12 and slowly ramped up by coming off the bench at first, leaving room in the starting lineup for both Westbrook and Braun. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for calf

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, going back to Old English cælf, plural calfur (Anglian), cealf (West Saxon), going back to Germanic *kalƀaz, *kalƀiz-, neuter s-stem (whence also Old Saxon kalf "young of a cow," Old High German kalb, Old Norse kalfr, and, from a derivative *kalƀōn-, Old High German kalba "female calf," Gothic kalbo), of uncertain origin

Note: Associated with Greek delphýs "womb," Sanskrit garbha- "womb, fetus," going back to Indo-European *gwelbhu- (see -adelphous), but the expected outcome of an ablaut form *gwolbh-es- would be Germanic *kwalb-iz-, which does not match the attested forms.

Noun (2)

Middle English, borrowed from Old Norse kalfi "calf of the leg," going back to a Germanic source probably akin to early Modern Dutch kalf "swelling of the hand or foot," Old High German wazzerchalp "edema," German dialect Kalb "muscle"

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Calf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calf. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

calf

1 of 2 noun
ˈkaf How to pronounce calf (audio)
ˈkȧf
plural calves ˈkavz How to pronounce calf (audio)
ˈkȧvz
1
a
: the young of the domestic cow
b
: the young of various other large animals (as the elephant or whale)
2
plural calfs : calfskin

calf

2 of 2 noun
plural calves
: the fleshy or muscular back part of the leg below the knee
Etymology

Noun

Old English cealf "young cow"

Noun

Middle English calf "part of the leg"; of Norse origin

Medical Definition

calf

noun
plural calves ˈkavz, ˈkȧvz How to pronounce calf (audio)
: the fleshy back part of the leg below the knee

More from Merriam-Webster on calf

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