ox

1 of 2

noun

ˈäks 

plural oxen ˈäk-sən  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

By re-examining the translation of the word auk from the previous interpretation, the meaning changes so that fines could be paid with either one ox or with two öre of silver. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2024

In the four corners of the card, there are images of a man, a lion, an eagle and an ox. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024

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

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

Phrases Containing ox

• musk ox
• ox gall

Kids Definition

ox

noun

ˈäks 

plural oxen ˈäk-sən  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)