graze

Graze is a term with several related meanings in agriculture, biology, medicine, and commerce. In feeding terms, to graze means for herbivorous animals to feed on grasses and other low-lying vegetation, typically over wide areas. Grazing differs from browsing, which is feeding on higher-growing leaves and twigs. Grazing behavior influences plant communities, soil compaction, and nutrient cycling.

In agriculture, grazing refers to systems of pasture management where livestock are allowed to feed on pasture. Rotational grazing divides land into paddocks and moves animals to rest regrowth, aiming to optimize forage use, reduce erosion, and improve pasture persistence. Continuous grazing exposes pastures to constant feeding pressure. Management considerations include stocking rate, forage quality, seasonality, and water access. Extreme grazing pressure can lead to overgrazing, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, while undergrazing can reduce forage use and foster unwanted species.

As a verb or noun, graze can denote a light touch, such as a fence post grazing the skin, or a shallow skin injury—a graze or grazing wound. In sports or physics, “graze” may be used metaphorically to describe near contact.

Graze is also the name of a consumer snacking brand that offers subscription-style boxes of portion-controlled snacks. The brand markets products emphasizing variety and healthier options and is available in multiple markets.