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pastoralism

/ˈpæstərəˌlɪzəm/
IPA guide

Other forms: pastoralisms

Pastoralism is a kind of work that's done in a rural setting. A town with an economy based in pastoralism might have a higher population of farm animals than people.

You can also use this noun for a style of art that focuses on farms and other features of rural living. Both meanings of pastoralism stem from the Latin word pastor, or "shepherd." The type of work a shepherd does is a perfect example of pastoralism, as is a painting of a shepherd in the fields with a flock of sheep.

Definitions of pastoralism
  1. noun
    a social and economic system based on raising and herding livestock
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    type of:
    economic system, economy
    the system of production and distribution and consumption
  2. noun
    a literary or artistic style that idealizes rural life, especially the life of shepherds
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    type of:
    genre
    a class of art (or artistic endeavor) having a characteristic form or technique
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