Verbs Relating to Animals

(of sheep, cows, etc.) to feed on the grass in a field

The sheep were allowed to graze freely in the meadow.

to pursue wild animals in order to kill or catch them, for sport or food

In some cultures, people still hunt for their food using traditional methods.

to jump into water, usually hands and head first

He is going to dive into the sea from the boat.

(of animals or birds) to lose hair, feathers, etc. temporarily before they grow back

The bird began to molt in the spring, shedding its old feathers for new ones.

(of some animals or plants) to spend the winter sleeping deeply

Bears hibernate in caves during the cold winter months to conserve energy.

(of fish, birds, or other animals) to move to different geographic areas according to seasons in order to breed, find food, or escape harsh environmental conditions

As the seasons change, some fish species migrate to different parts of the ocean.

to move through water by moving parts of the body, typically arms and legs

My sister swims every morning before breakfast.

(of a bird) to land and rest on something, such as a branch, bar, etc.

The robin perched on the windowsill, singing softly.

to root out something with the snout

(of a bird, aircraft, etc.) to remain at one place in midair

to change wild animals or plants for human use or cultivation

Farmers have domesticated pigs, selecting traits for docility and suitability for farming.

the money that is paid to a professional or an organization for their services

The lawyer's fee for handling the case was quite high.

to use one's voice in order to produce musical sounds in the form of a tune or song

At the karaoke night, everyone got a chance to sing.

to blend in with the surroundings to avoid being seen or detected

The lizard camouflages itself by changing its skin color.

to rub gently or caress an animal's fur or hair

She sat on the porch, enjoying the peaceful evening as she stroked her cat's soft fur.

(of a bird) to move the beak in a sudden movement and bite something

The chickens pecked at the scattered grains in the yard.

to follow, watch, or pursue someone persistently and often secretly, causing them fear or discomfort

Unbeknownst to her, a mysterious figure began to stalk Mary on her way home from work.

a painful infliction caused by a small sharp and pointed organ that some insects have and use to penetrate the prey and inject poison

She felt a sting on her arm after the bee landed on it.

to cut into flesh, food, etc. using the teeth

The dog warned the intruder by growling before attempting to bite.

to go higher while flying

The eagle soared high above the cliffs, scanning the landscape for prey.

to move smoothly and quietly, like a snake

The snake silently slithered through the grass.

to follow a person or thing and see where they go, often for the purpose of catching them

The police officer chased the suspect through the narrow alleys, determined to apprehend him.

to jump using one leg

During the sack race, the children had to hop to the finish line with one leg inside the sack.

a short, thick, coarse hair growing naturally on an animal or person

The boar's bristles were rough to the touch.

a male deer, rabbit, or antelope

The buck stood proudly in the meadow during mating season.

to turn around over and over very fast

With elegant movements, the dancer spun gracefully on stage.

to gather or travel to a place in large, dense groups

Shoppers swarmed into the store on Black Friday.

to deposit pollen on a plant or flower so that it can produce new seeds or fruit

Bees pollinate flowers as they collect nectar, aiding in the reproduction of plants.

(of a bird) to produce a melodious, trilling, or warbling song with a series of varying notes and pitches

to groom oneself or another individual by straightening and cleaning the feathers or fur using the beak or tongue

a structure that a bird makes for laying eggs or keeping the hatchlings in

The sparrow built its nest under the roof using twigs and grass.

to shed or cast off of old skin, scales, feathers, or horns, typically as part of a natural growth

the smell that something releases, which can be detected by the nose

to search for and consume decaying or dead organic matter as a source of food, often done by animals

to hunt, capture, and eat other animals as a means of survival

Lions prey on zebras in the wild.

the part of an object located on the opposite side from its front

The car's rear was dented in the accident.

an animal's foot that typically has a combination of nails, claws, fur, and pads

The kitten playfully batted at the toy mouse with her tiny paws.

to pass, endure, or spend the winter season

to regularly eat a specific type of food to stay alive and grow

The caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant to fuel their metamorphosis into butterflies.

an area of sand or small stones next to a sea or a lake

I buried my feet in the warm sand at the beach.

to move about playfully or energetically

After the rain, the children couldn't resist frisking in the puddles, splashing water with glee.

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

mix so as to make a random order or arrangement

to release small particles of a liquid over an area or surface

The gardener sprayed water over the flowers to keep them hydrated during the hot summer days.

nervous and uncomfortable around other people

Being shy hides his brilliant ideas.

a type of board game in which one tries to make words on a board using small blocks with letters on them

Every weekend, my family gathers to play Scrabble and compete for the highest score.

the underground part of a plant that absorbs water and minerals, sending it to other parts

She carefully planted the new tree, ensuring that its roots were well spread out in the hole to encourage healthy growth.

a hole that an animal digs in the ground to use as a shelter

The rabbit disappeared into its burrow, seeking refuge from the approaching storm.

to think carefully and at length about something

She likes to ruminate on philosophical questions before bed.

(of a horse, etc.) to ride as fast as possible

to run faster than a walk but slower than a full sprint

Trying to catch the bus, she trotted down the street, hoping to make it to the stop in time.

to check a web page, text, etc. without reading all the content

He browsed online forums to read reviews and opinions about the latest video games.

a smooth three-beat gait; between a trot and a gallop

a way of walking that displays pride

He walked in with a strut that turned every head.

to jump very high or over a long distance

The athlete leaped over the high bar with impressive precision, setting a new record.

to move quickly and lightly from somewhere or something to another

Butterflies flit gracefully from flower to flower in the garden.

to move smoothly and effortlessly through the air or on a surface with little or no propulsion

The eagle glided effortlessly through the sky, riding the thermal currents.

an abnormally rapid vibration or pulsation of one's heart, particularly in an irregular rhythm

to run or move quickly and playfully with small, light steps

Startled by the children's laughter, the squirrels scampered up the trees to a safer height.

to move stealthily and with intent, especially by a predatory animal

to secure or tie together using ropes or other materials

The sailor will bind the cargo securely to the ship's deck with sturdy ropes.

to walk at a slow and leisurely pace, usually without any particular purpose or urgency

On lazy Sunday afternoons, the couple would amble through the park.

to move quickly and suddenly downward through the air

The eagle swoops down to catch its prey.

to walk with short, clumsy steps and a swaying motion from side to side, typically as a result of being overweight or having short legs

The penguin waddled across the ice, its flippers outstretched for balance.

the sum of money that needs to be payed for a thing or service

The hotel room charge included breakfast and Wi-Fi access.

to move or travel through the air

Birds can fly freely in the sky.

to move slowly with the body near the ground or on the hands and knees

The baby began to crawl across the living room floor.

wood that has been cut into specific pieces to be used for building purposes

to move or make something move from one side to another while suspended

The pendulum clock swung back and forth with a rhythmic tick-tock.