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corral

corral
NounTransitive Verb
pl: corralspast: corralledpp: corralleding: corralling

This term evokes the imagery of the American West, specifically the rugged management of livestock. As a noun, it describes a functional, utilitarian space designed for containment and control, carrying a connotation of security and boundary.

When used as a verb, the word shifts from literal animal husbandry to a more general sense of gathering. It often implies a degree of chaos or resistance from the subjects being gathered, suggesting that the act of organizing requires effort and persistence. This extends to abstract concepts, such as organizing scattered ideas or emotions.

Meanings

Nouncorral

An enclosure for livestock, typically made of fences or rails, used to hold animals.

The rancher moved the cattle into the corral for branding.

Transitive Verbcorral
[~ someone][~ something]

To gather and confine people or animals into a specific area or group.

The teachers tried to corral the students before the bus arrived.

Examples

The horses are resting in the corral.

Wait here while I try to corral the kids.

We need to corral all the volunteers in the lobby.

Office

The dusty corral was empty by dawn.

History

I can barely corral my thoughts this morning.

Let us corral the remaining guests into the dining hall.

Can you help me corral these papers before they blow away?

School Life

The cattle were penned in a small wooden corral.

Phrasal Verbs

corral up

to gather and collect a group of people or animals into one place

The manager tried to corral up all the employees for a quick morning briefing.

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error