How Do You Spell COW?

Pronunciation: [kˈa͡ʊ] (IPA)

The word "cow" is spelled with three letters: c, o, and w. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /kaʊ/. The first sound /k/ is a voiceless velar plosive, made by pressing the back of the tongue against the soft palate. The second sound /aʊ/ is a diphthong, consisting of the mouth starting in a position for the vowel /a/ and then gliding to a position for the vowel /u/. This sound is often spelled with the letters "ow" in English.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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COW Meaning and Definition

  1. Cow is a noun that refers to a large domesticated mammal of the bovine family, typically kept as livestock. Considered among the most important animals for human civilization, the cow is primarily raised for its milk, meat, and leather. Cows are known for their distinctive appearance, featuring a large body, generous size, and four legs. They possess a broad head, with eyes on either side, and prominent ears. Their dense coat may vary in color, ranging from solid shades of black, brown, or white, and occasionally displaying patterns such as spots or stripes.

    Cows are herbivorous animals, using their specialized digestive system to extract nutrients from plants. Their broad and tough upper lip allows them to efficiently consume grass or other vegetation. With their broad hooves, cows are well-suited to graze in open fields. They are known for chewing cud, where they regurgitate previously swallowed food and rechew it for further breakdown and digestion.

    Cows play an integral role in agriculture, providing a reliable source of milk, which is a versatile and vital food product consumed by humans worldwide. Additionally, their meat is widely consumed, and their hide is a valuable material for producing leather goods. Cows are social animals, and they often form herds, led by a dominant female called the "cowherd." Apart from their economic importance, cows are also revered in various cultures, symbolizing fertility, wealth, and abundance.

  2. • The female of the bull; a well-known animal yielding milk for domestic uses.
    • Old plu.
    • To depress with fear; to keep under; to dispirit.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for COW *

  • cowe 66.6666666%
  • cw 33.3333333%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for COW

Etymology of COW

The word "cow" can be traced back to the Old English word "cū" (pronounced "coo") which meant a mature female of the bovine species. It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Middle Dutch "koe" and Old High German "kuh". The Proto-Germanic root of "cow" is believed to be "kwōn" or "kūz", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*gwṓws" meaning bovine or ox.

Idioms with the word COW

  • sacred cow The idiom "sacred cow" refers to a person, belief, institution, or idea that is treated as untouchable, immune from criticism or questioning, and highly revered or respected. It often implies that this object of reverence is considered beyond reproach or any form of scrutiny, even when flaws or contradictions are apparent.
  • holy cow The idiom "holy cow" is used as an exclamation to express surprise, astonishment, or excitement about something. It is typically used when something unexpected or extraordinary occurs.
  • cow (someone) into (something) The idiom "cow (someone) into (something)" means to intimidate or pressure someone into doing something they may not want to do, often by using forceful or aggressive tactics.
  • cow flop The idiom "cow flop" refers to dried or hardened cow manure, typically used in a humorous or colloquial sense to describe something worthless, trivial, or insignificant. It can be used metaphorically to refer to something of little value or importance.
  • awkward as a cow on a crutch The idiom "awkward as a cow on a crutch" is an exaggeration used to describe someone or something exceedingly clumsy or uncouth. It implies that a cow, already not known for its agility, would be even more imbalanced and uncomfortable if it were to use a crutch as support.
  • have a cow The idiom "have a cow" means to become extremely angry, upset, or to overreact strongly to a situation.
  • cash cow The idiom "cash cow" refers to a product, investment, or business venture that consistently generates a substantial amount of profit or revenue, contributing greatly to the financial success of an individual, company, or organization.
  • cow chips Idiom: cow chips Definition: Cow chips are dried cow dung (feces) that have hardened and flattened over time. The idiom "cow chips" is used to refer to these dried patties. Meaning: The term is often used figuratively to describe something that appears or is said to be valuable or useful but ends up being worthless or disappointing. Example sentence: "Don't fall for his promises, they're just cow chips in disguise."
  • have a cow, at have kittens The idiom "have a cow" or "have kittens" is an expression used to describe someone experiencing anger, frustration, or intense emotional distress over a particular situation or event. It implies that the person is overreacting or becoming excessively upset about something.
  • Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free? The idiom "Why buy a cow when you can get milk for free?" is a metaphorical expression that highlights the idea of not needing to make a long-term commitment or investment when one can easily enjoy the benefits or advantages without any associated costs or responsibilities. It suggests that there is no need to acquire or possess something when it is readily available or accessible without any obligations.
  • a cash cow The idiom "a cash cow" refers to a reliable source of continuous profit or income. It is a business, product, or investment that generates substantial and consistent cash flow with minimal effort or investment. It is often used to describe a highly lucrative venture that requires little to no additional resources while consistently producing high returns.
  • (as) awkward as a cow on a crutch The idiom "(as) awkward as a cow on a crutch" is a humorous expression that describes someone or something as extremely clumsy, uncoordinated, or lacking in grace. It implies a high level of discomfort and ineptitude, suggesting that the person or object being referred to is struggling and appearing noticeably awkward or ungainly in their physical movements or actions.
  • Don’t have a cow! The idiom "Don’t have a cow!" means to not overreact or become excessively upset about something. It is often used to tell someone to calm down or not to become overly agitated.
  • cow college The idiom "cow college" refers to a university or college that specializes in agriculture or agricultural studies. It is often used in a derogatory or teasing manner, suggesting that the institution solely focuses on farming or rural-related subjects.
  • Don't have a cow! The idiom "Don't have a cow!" is a colloquial expression that means not to overreact or become overly upset or angry about something. It is used to advise someone to remain calm and not allow a situation to provoke an extreme emotional response.
  • a sacred cow The idiom "a sacred cow" refers to a belief, custom, practice, or institution that is considered to be immune from criticism or questioning, often due to its long-standing tradition or sensitive nature. It implies something that is regarded as untouchable, off-limits, or too highly respected or revered to be challenged or altered.
  • cow chip The idiom "cow chip" refers to a dried piece of cow dung. It is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something worthless or of little value.
  • cow paste
  • cow juice
  • cow sm into sth
  • cow into
  • cow plop
  • cow-doots
  • the tune the old cow died of
  • tin cow
  • How now, brown cow? This phrase is often used as a humorous or quirky way to greet someone or attract their attention. It may also be used to break a silence or as a transitional phrase in conversation.

Similar spelling words for COW

Plural form of COW is COWS

Conjugate verb Cow

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have cowed
you would have cowed
he/she/it would have cowed
we would have cowed
they would have cowed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been cowing
you would have been cowing
he/she/it would have been cowing
we would have been cowing
they would have been cowing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would cow
you would cow
he/she/it would cow
we would cow
they would cow

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be cowing
you would be cowing
he/she/it would be cowing
we would be cowing
they would be cowing

FUTURE

I will cow
you will cow
he/she/it will cow
we will cow
they will cow

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be cowing
you will be cowing
he/she/it will be cowing
we will be cowing
they will be cowing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have cowed
you will have cowed
he/she/it will have cowed
we will have cowed
they will have cowed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been cowing
you will have been cowing
he/she/it will have been cowing
we will have been cowing
they will have been cowing

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s cow

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was cowing
you were cowing
he/she/it was cowing
we were cowing
they were cowing

PAST PARTICIPLE

cowed

PAST PERFECT

I had cowed
you had cowed
he/she/it had cowed
we had cowed
they had cowed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been cowing
you had been cowing
he/she/it had been cowing
we had been cowing
they had been cowing

PRESENT

I cow
you cow
he/she/it cows
we cow
they cow

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am cowing
you are cowing
he/she/it is cowing
we are cowing
they are cowing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

cowing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have cowed
you have cowed
he/she/it has cowed
we have cowed
they have cowed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been cowing
you have been cowing
he/she/it has been cowing
we have been cowing
they have been cowing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it cow

SIMPLE PAST

I cowed
you cowed
he/she/it cowed
we cowed
they cowed

Infographic

Correct spelling for cow
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