Originally the literal lead cow in a herd — the one wearing the bell whose movement guides the rest — a bell cow in figurative use is a leader, trendsetter, or dominant influencer that others follow without question. In business, sports, and media, identifying the bell cow means finding whoever sets the pace and direction for everyone else. The term is widely used in American sports commentary to describe a team's primary playmaker.
She was the bell cow of the department — wherever she moved, the rest of the team naturally followed.
No comments yet — say something.
The lead cow in a herd.
No comments yet — say something.
(US, figurative) A leader; an influencer.
No comments yet — say something.
Add your own interpretation of "bell cow".
Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.