abattoir UK /ˈæb.əˌtwɑː(ɹ)/US /ˈæb.əˌtwɑɹ/ noun2 •A public slaughterhouse for cattle, sheep, etc.Once the cows reach maturity, they're sent to the abattoir. •(figurative) A place or event of great carnage or bloodshed.The army's raid on the enemy turned into a major abattoir. formsabattoirs