corral

[kuh-ral]

noun

1. an enclosure or pen for horses, cattle, etc.

2. a circular enclosure formed by wagons during an encampment, as by covered wagons crossing the North American plains in the 19th century, for defense against attack.

verb (used with object)

corralled, corralling 

1. to confine in or as if in a corral.

2. Informal.

   1. to seize; capture.

   2. to collect, gather, or garner.

      to corral votes.

3. to form (wagons) into a corral.

corral

/ kɒˈrɑːl /

noun

1. an enclosure for confining cattle or horses

2. (formerly) a defensive enclosure formed by a ring of covered wagons

verb

1. to drive into and confine in or as in a corral

2. informal,  to capture

Word History and Origins

Origin of corral¹

1575–85; < Spanish < Late Latin *currāle enclosure for carts, equivalent to Latin curr ( us ) wagon, cart (derivative of currere to run) + -āle, neuter of -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of corral¹

C16: from Spanish, from Vulgar Latin currāle (unattested) area for vehicles, from Latin currus wagon, from currere to run

Example Sentences

In the final training camp practice, cornerback Nikko Reed corralled an interception — much like he’s done throughout camp.

From Los Angeles Times

Bradford hung up vintage posters from old European jazz festivals and corralled enough equipment together to peaceably write music in the garage.

From Los Angeles Times

But, in a rare defensive lapse at his new position, Betts spiked a throw to first that Freddie Freeman couldn’t corral.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s trying, in effect, to save himself by saving them, but they’re too feisty to be corralled by their unstable grandson.

From Los Angeles Times

Fifteen minutes later, the protest had dwindled to a few dozen demonstrators corralled outside the county courthouse.

From Los Angeles Times

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