What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
herder
Example
The herder led the sheep to graze in the pasture. [herder: noun]
Example
She spent the summer working as a herder on a ranch in Montana. [herder: noun]
Example
The herder made sure that all the animals were accounted for before leaving for the night. [herder: noun]
rancher
Example
The rancher had over 500 head of cattle on his property. [rancher: noun]
Example
She grew up on a ranch in Texas and learned how to ride horses at a young age. [ranch: noun]
Example
The rancher hired a team of cowboys to help with the annual cattle drive. [rancher: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rancher is more commonly used than herder in everyday language. Rancher is a well-known profession in many parts of the world, especially in North America, where large-scale livestock farming is common. Herder is less common and may be used in specific contexts or regions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between herder and rancher?
Both herder and rancher are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
