Corral

A corral is a confined area, typically enclosed by fences or walls, used for holding or managing livestock, especially horses and cattle. The purpose of a corral is to provide a safe and controlled space for animals to be gathered, sorted, counted, branded, fed, or otherwise cared for. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a group of people brought together or contained for a specific purpose, like supporters or employees, or their efforts. Its use often implies control, enclosure, and sometimes, a temporary holding condition. The design and construction of a corral vary depending on the type of animal, the purpose of the corral, and the environment.

Corral meaning with examples

• The cowboys skillfully guided the herd of cattle into the sturdy wooden corral, ensuring they were contained for the night. They planned to sort the cows into different groups based on age and gender, ensuring the safety of the animals and efficient future care. Inside, the animals felt somewhat sheltered from the open plains. The corral's security was tested by a sudden storm, but its strong structure held firm, offering protection.
• After the rodeo, the exhausted horses were led into a large, shaded corral, where they could rest and recover. The corral provided them with easy access to fresh water and hay, helping them regain their strength. The trainers carefully monitored the horses, making sure that no injuries or stress occurred, ensuring that they were ready to perform the next day. The corral became their haven, a place of quiet after their performance in the ring.
• The campaign team worked tirelessly to corral all available data on their opponent before the debate. The information was then collated into a cohesive strategy to combat the opponent's strong points. They met in a secure conference room, their efforts focused on gathering information and the ability to answer questions. The goal was to 'corral' enough support from undecided voters.
• The software company attempted to corral all its employees in a meeting to discuss important changes to company policy. The company leadership needed to provide an overview of a new development and get feedback from the developers. The meeting, in essence, acted as a corral for employees to receive updates, gather knowledge, and ultimately, understand the coming shifts in focus, providing stability through information.