Verbs Relating to Animals: English Vocabulary List

(of animals or birds) to lose hair, feathers, etc. temporarily before they grow back

"Snakes molt their skin periodically."

"The snake will molt its old skin once every few months as it grows larger and needs a new outer layer."

(of some animals or plants) to spend the winter sleeping deeply

"Bears hibernate during winter."

"Some animals like bears and hedgehogs hibernate during the cold winter months to conserve energy."

to move through water by moving parts of the body, typically arms and legs

"She swims every morning."

"The children love to swim in the lake during summer because the water is cool and clean."

(of a bird, aircraft, etc.) to remain at one place in midair

"The helicopter hovered above the building."

"The helicopter hovered above the building while the rescue team prepared to lower a rope to the stranded workers."

to change wild animals or plants for human use or cultivation

"People domesticated wolves into dogs."

"Early humans learned to domesticate wild animals like wolves and goats for protection food and assistance with hunting."

to blend in with the surroundings to avoid being seen or detected

"The frog camouflaged itself well."

"The soldiers used leaves and mud to camouflage their vehicles and hide from enemy aircraft."

to move smoothly and quietly, like a snake

"The snake slithered through the grass silently."

"The long snake began to slither silently through the tall grass toward the unsuspecting mouse that was nibbling on a seed."

to follow a person or thing and see where they go, often for the purpose of catching them

"The dog chases the mail carrier."

"The dog loves to chase squirrels in the park but he has never actually caught one."

to deposit pollen on a plant or flower so that it can produce new seeds or fruit

"Bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar daily."

"Bees and other insects help to pollinate flowers by carrying pollen from one plant to another."

to groom oneself or another individual by straightening and cleaning the feathers or fur using the beak or tongue

"The bird preens its feathers carefully."

"The bird sat on the branch and began to preen its feathers to keep them clean and smooth."

to dig a hole or tunnel into the ground or other surface to create a space for shelter or habitation

"Rabbits burrow underground for safety."

"The rabbit burrowed deep into the ground to create a safe nest for its babies away from predators."

(of a horse, etc.) to ride as fast as possible

"The horse gallops across the meadow."

"The horse galloped across the open field at full speed with its mane flying wildly in the wind behind it."

to jump very high or over a long distance

"The frog leaped into the pond."

"The brave firefighter did not hesitate and decided to leap from the burning building into the safety net below."

to move smoothly and effortlessly through the air or on a surface with little or no propulsion

"The swan will glide across the pond."

"The eagle glided effortlessly through the air without flapping its wings for several minutes while searching for prey."

to walk with short, clumsy steps and a swaying motion from side to side, typically as a result of being overweight or having short legs

"Penguins waddle on the ice."

"The fat penguin began to waddle awkwardly across the ice toward the water where its friends were already swimming and catching fish for dinner."

to move slowly with the body near the ground or on the hands and knees

"The baby will crawl soon."

"The baby learned to crawl before she could walk and she explored every corner of the house enthusiastically."