Ox vs. Steer — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
An Ox is a castrated male bovine trained for work, while a Steer is a castrated male bovine raised for beef.
Difference Between Ox and Steer
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Ox and Steer, both pertaining to the bovine family, differ in their primary purposes. The term Ox specifically defines a castrated male bovine that's trained for labor, particularly for plowing and hauling. It's associated with strength, endurance, and work. Conversely, a Steer is also a castrated male bovine but is primarily raised for beef. Their growth focuses on producing meat rather than muscle power.
While an Ox's value is derived from its utility in tasks, a Steer's value arises from its contribution to meat production. To further clarify, you'd harness an Ox to a cart or plow due to its strength, but a Steer is more likely to be found in pastures, being raised for slaughter.
Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Work/Labor
Beef Production
Physical Attributes
Strong, muscular, built for endurance
Fatter, raised for meat quality
Life Span
Longer as used for labor
Shorter, slaughtered at younger age
ADVERTISEMENT
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Cultural Significance
Often revered for its role in agriculture
Often associated with beef industries
Compare with Definitions
Ox
A term used historically for a large, strong farm animal.
The Ox pulled the heavy cart up the hill effortlessly.
Steer
Young male cattle that are not breeding candidates.
That young Steer will be sold at the next auction.
Ox
A castrated male bovine trained for work.
The farmer used the Ox to plow his fields.
Steer
An animal that's meatier than dairy cows.
The butcher preferred meat from a Steer for its quality.
Ox
Represents patience and hard work in many cultures.
Just like an Ox, he never tired and kept working.
Steer
Sometimes used in a generic sense for male cattle.
Look at that Steer grazing in the field.
Ox
A symbol of strength and endurance.
He was as strong as an Ox.
Steer
Guide or control the movement of (a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft), for example by turning a wheel or operating a rudder
He steered the boat slowly towards the busy quay
He let Lily steer
Ox
A zodiac sign in some cultures, representing certain birth years.
2021 was the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac.
Steer
The type of steering of a vehicle
Some cars boast four-wheel steer
Ox
An ox (plural oxen), also known as a bullock (in BrE, AusE& IndE), is a male bovine trained and used as a draft animal. Oxen are commonly castrated adult male cattle; castration inhibits testosterone and aggression, which makes the males docile and safer to work with.
Steer
A piece of advice or information concerning the development of a situation
The need for the NHS to be given a clear steer as to its future direction
Ox
A domesticated bovine animal kept for milk or meat; a cow or bull
He was tall and broad and as strong as an ox
Steer
Another term for bullock
Ox
An adult castrated bull of the genus Bos, especially B. taurus, used chiefly as a draft animal.
Steer
To guide (a vessel or vehicle), especially by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or wheel
Steered the car around the curve.
Ox
A bovine mammal, especially one that has been domesticated.
Steer
To set and follow (a course)
Steered a path around the rocks.
Ox
An adult castrated male of cattle (B. taurus), especially when used as a beast of burden.
Steer
To direct the course of
Steered the business toward record profits.
Ox
Any bovine animal (genus Bos). A neat, a beef.
Steer
To advise or direct (a person) toward a place or course of action
Steered the intern toward a career in sales.
Ox
Abbreviation of oxygen
Steer
To guide a vessel or vehicle.
Ox
The male of bovine quadrupeds, especially the domestic animal when castrated and grown to its full size, or nearly so. The word is also applied, as a general name, to any species of bovine animals, male and female.
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field.
Steer
To follow or move in a set course.
Ox
An adult castrated bull of the genus Bos; especially Bos taurus
Steer
To admit of being steered or guided
A craft that steers easily.
Ox
Any of various wild bovines especially of the genera Bos or closely related Bibos
Steer
A piece of advice
The salesman gave me a bum steer on that new car.
Steer
A young ox, especially one castrated before sexual maturity and raised for beef.
Steer
(intransitive) To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).
The boat steered towards the iceberg.
I steered homeward.
Steer
(transitive) To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).
I find it very difficult to steer a skateboard.
When planning the boat trip, we had completely forgotten that we needed somebody to steer.
Steer
(intransitive) To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm.
The boat steers easily.
Steer
(transitive) To direct a group of animals.
Steer
(transitive) To maneuver or manipulate a person or group into a place or course of action.
Hume believes that principles of association steer the imagination of artists.
Steer
(transitive) To direct a conversation.
Steer
To conduct oneself; to take or pursue a course of action.
Steer
(transitive) To direct or send an object into a specific place
Steer
(transitive) To castrate (a male calf).
Steer
(informal) A suggestion about a course of action.
Steer
(obsolete) A helmsman; a pilot.
Steer
The castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production.
Steer
A young male of the ox kind; especially, a common ox; a castrated taurine male from two to four years old. See the Note under Ox.
Steer
A rudder or helm.
Steer
A helmsman; a pilot.
Steer
To castrate; - said of male calves.
Steer
To direct the course of; to guide; to govern; - applied especially to a vessel in the water.
That with a staff his feeble steps did steer.
Steer
To direct a vessel in its course; to direct one's course.
Steer
To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm; as, the boat steers easily.
Where the windVeers oft, as oft [a ship] so steers, and shifts her sail.
Steer
To conduct one's self; to take or pursue a course of action.
Steer
An indication of potential opportunity;
He got a tip on the stock market
A good lead for a job
Steer
Castrated bull
Steer
Direct the course; determine the direction of travelling
Steer
Direct (oneself) somewhere;
Steer clear of him
Steer
Be a guiding force, as with directions or advice;
The teacher steered the gifted students towards the more challenging courses
Steer
A castrated male bovine raised for meat.
The ranch has several Steers ready for the market.
Steer
Often associated with beef industries.
The prices of Steer meat fluctuate based on demand.
Common Curiosities
Is a Steer raised for work?
No, a Steer is raised primarily for beef production.
Are both Ox and Steer castrated male bovines?
Yes, both are castrated male bovines but differ in their purpose.
What's the primary function of an Ox?
An Ox is primarily trained for labor, like plowing or hauling.
What's the physical difference between an Ox and a Steer?
Oxen are muscular and built for endurance, while Steers are meatier.
Can the term "Ox" be culturally significant?
Yes, for instance, the Ox is a zodiac sign in Chinese culture.
Is the term "Ox" used globally?
Yes, but its exact meaning and usage can vary based on culture and region.
Can both Ox and Steer be used for meat?
Yes, but Steers are specifically raised for their meat, while Oxen are valued more for work.
Is a Steer ever used for dairy production?
No, Steers are raised for beef, not dairy.
Why are Steers castrated?
Castration makes Steers more docile and prevents breeding, focusing their growth on meat production.
What's the lifespan difference between an Ox and a Steer?
Oxen typically have a longer lifespan as they're used for work, while Steers are slaughtered at a younger age for meat.
Is there a size difference between an Ox and a Steer?
It varies, but Oxen are generally more muscular due to their work, while Steers are bulkier in terms of meat.
Can you ride an Ox like a horse?
Typically, no. Oxen are primarily used for work like plowing and not riding.
How is an Ox trained for work?
Through consistent training from a young age, using commands, and often with the help of a yoke.
Is "Steer" ever used in a generic sense?
Sometimes, "Steer" is generically used for young male cattle.
Do Steers have a specific diet?
Yes, they're often fed grain-heavy diets to enhance meat quality and growth.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Executive vs. Officer
Next Comparison
Aim vs. IntentionAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
