calf
Pluralcalves
- 1A young cow, or the baby of some other large animals, such as an elephant or whale.
Just like a puppy is a baby dog, a calf is a baby cow.
The newborn calf struggled to stand within minutes of its birth.
The farmer separated the calves from their mothers at weaning time.
UsageOne calf, two calves.
Note
- 2The thick, soft back part of your leg between the knee and the ankle.
He stretched his calf before the morning run.
Hours of standing left her calves aching.
UsageOne calf, two calves. You can pull a calf muscle.
Note
- 3Soft leather made from the skin of young cattle, often used for book covers.
The antique volume was bound in calf, its spine stamped with gold lettering.
The old book was bound in soft brown calf.
UsageSay a book bound in calf.
Similarcalfskin
Note
Less common meanings
Practice
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Origins
This word comes from Old English and older Germanic words for a young cow. Its deeper origin is unknown.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- The word descends from Old English and earlier Germanic words meaning a young cow. en.wiktionary.org
- Its deeper origin is unknown. en.wiktionary.org
This word, meaning the back of the lower leg, comes from Old Norse kalfi.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact
- Calf meaning the back of the lower leg comes from Old Norse kalfi. en.wikipedia.org