graz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral
Quick answer
What does “graz” mean?
To feed on growing grass or pasture, typically applied to livestock such as cattle, sheep, or horses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To feed on growing grass or pasture, typically applied to livestock such as cattle, sheep, or horses.
To eat small amounts of food over an extended period; to touch lightly against a surface while passing; to use land for pasture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both dialects use the verb similarly, though 'grazing' for human eating patterns might be slightly more common in US informal contexts.
Connotations
In agricultural contexts, it is neutral. When applied to humans ('grazing at the buffet'), it can be mildly humorous or slightly critical, implying casual or continuous eating without proper meals.
Frequency
Common in rural, agricultural, and environmental contexts. The metaphorical use is increasing in frequency in lifestyle and business writing (e.g., 'grazing on data').
Grammar
How to Use “graz” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] grazes[SUBJ] grazes [on OBJ (pasture/grass)][SUBJ] grazes [OBJ (field/land)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “graz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sheep graze on the hillside throughout the summer.
- He just grazed on snacks all afternoon instead of having lunch.
American English
- The cattle are grazing the lower forty acres.
- We spent the evening grazing on appetizers at the party.
adjective
British English
- The grazing rights for this common land are strictly protected.
- They conducted a survey of grazing livestock.
American English
- The grazing fee for public lands was increased.
- The study focused on grazing animals in the prairie ecosystem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically: 'The company is grazing in new markets.'
Academic
Common in agricultural, ecological, and environmental science texts.
Everyday
Common when discussing farms, animals, or informal human eating habits.
Technical
Specific in agriculture (rotational grazing, intensive grazing) and ecology (grazing pressure).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “graz”
- Confusing 'graze' (to feed) with 'graze' (a superficial wound) - they are homographs.
- Incorrect preposition: 'graze in the field' (less common) vs. 'graze on the field' or 'graze the field'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'graz' is not a standard English word. The correct spelling is 'graze'. 'Graz' is a proper noun referring to a city in Austria.
Animals 'graze' on grass and low-growing vegetation. Animals 'browse' on leaves, twigs, and higher vegetation from trees and shrubs.
Yes, informally. It means to eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day, rather than at set meal times.
Yes. As a verb, it also means 'to touch or scrape lightly in passing'. As a noun, it means 'a superficial wound or scrape'.
To feed on growing grass or pasture, typically applied to livestock such as cattle, sheep, or horses.
Graz is usually neutral in register.
Graz: in British English it is pronounced /ɡreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡreɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Put out to graze" (to retire someone or something, especially due to old age).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREY ZEbra peacefully eating grass. GREY-Z = GRAZE.
Conceptual Metaphor
EATING IS GRAZING (for casual consumption); LIFE IS PASTURE (e.g., 'put out to pasture' for retirement).
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'to graze'?