Calves is the correct plural form of "calf," referring to young animals, particularly young cows, while calfs is an incorrect variant.

The words "calfs" and "calves" both relate to the plural form of "calf," but they are used in different contexts and have distinct meanings in English.

What does calves mean?

Calves is the correct plural form of "calf" and refers to the young of various mammals, particularly cows, whales, and dolphins.

Example sentence

The farmer's cows gave birth to several healthy calves this spring.

What does calfs mean?

Calfs, on the other hand, is not a standard plural form in English and is considered incorrect. It is a common spelling mistake that should be avoided.

Example sentences

  1. The humpback whale and her two calves swam gracefully in the ocean.
  2. The farmer takes good care of his cattle, ensuring the health and well-being of the calves.
  3. The rancher's herd of cows gave birth to numerous healthy calves this spring.
  4. The young calves frolicked in the pasture, displaying their playful nature.
  5. Farmers often provide shelter and warmth to protect their newborn calves from harsh weather.
  6. We watched as the calves nursed from their mothers in the barn.
  7. The veterinarian conducted health check-ups on all the calves in the herd.
  8. The calves' soft fur and gentle eyes made it particularly endearing.
  9. The auction featured a variety of calves, from different breeds and ages.
  10. The farmer taught his son how to feed and care for the calves.

Common idioms/expressions

  1. Fatten the calf: This phrase means to prepare or invest in something with the expectation of a future payoff. It often refers to saving or investing money for future use or profit.
  2. Kill the fatted calf: This expression is often used to signify a celebration or feast. It comes from the biblical story of the prodigal son, where the father orders the slaughter of a fattened calf to celebrate the return of his wayward son.
  3. Sculpted calves: This phrase is often used in fitness and bodybuilding contexts to describe well-developed and defined calf muscles. It refers to the aesthetic appeal of muscular calves.

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Reference

“Calves” vs. “Calfs”: Which Is Correct?
What’s the correct singular form of “calf,” exactly? Is it “calves” or “calfs”? Learn which of the two words is grammatically correct in this guide.