What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
herdsman
Example
The herdsman led his cattle to the river for a drink. [herdsman: noun]
Example
The herdsman spent all day tending to the sheep, making sure they were well-fed and safe. [tending: verb]
shepherd
Example
The shepherd led his flock of sheep to the top of the hill. [shepherd: noun]
Example
The shepherd used his dog to help him round up the sheep. [rounding: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shepherd is more commonly used than herdsman in everyday language, particularly in areas where sheep farming is prevalent. Herdsman is less common and may be used in more technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between herdsman and shepherd?
Both herdsman and shepherd are relatively informal terms and can be used in casual conversation. However, shepherd may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its historical and cultural associations.
