Definition

A large area where farm animals like cows, pigs, or sheep are kept for a short time before they are sold or sent to be slaughtered.

Example

The farmer took his cattle to the stockyard to prepare them for sale.

Conversation

Have you ever visited a stockyard before?

Yeah, I went to one last summer and it was really interesting.

What did you like most about the stockyard?

I loved seeing all the different animals and how they were cared for.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stockyard → It is formed from "stock" (from Old English *stocc*, meaning a post or tree trunk, which evolved to mean livestock) and "yard" (from Old English *geard*, meaning an enclosed area or yard). The word "stockyard" refers to an enclosed area where livestock is kept.

Memory Tip

Think of a place where livestock ('stock') is kept in an enclosed area ('yard'). This helps you remember that a stockyard is a yard for livestock.

Visually Confused Words