sheep

noun

ˈshēp How to pronounce sheep (audio)
plural sheep
often attributive
Synonyms of sheepnext
1
: any of various hollow-horned typically gregarious ruminant mammals (genus Ovis) related to the goats but stockier and lacking a beard in the male
specifically : one (O. aries) long domesticated especially for its flesh and wool
2
a
: a timid defenseless creature
b
: a timid docile person
especially : one easily influenced or led
3
: leather prepared from the skins of sheep : sheepskin

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of sheep in a Sentence

he came to see that the members of the cult were sheep who naively went along with whatever their leader dictated
Recent Examples on the Web The bones belonged to an adult sheep and maybe a goat, according to the study, but were not placed strategically or in the same places as the animal remains found with the other body. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 20 May 2024 My husband had to knock door to door to find a gun to be able to put the rest of the sheep out of their misery. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 1 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for sheep 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sheep.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English scēap; akin to Old High German scāf sheep

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheep was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing sheep

Dictionary Entries Near sheep

sheenly

sheep

sheep's-bane

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

sheep

noun
ˈshēp How to pronounce sheep (audio)
plural sheep
1
: any of various cud-chewing mammals that are stockier than the related goats and lack a beard in the male
especially : one raised for its wool, skin, or flesh
2
: a weak helpless person who is easily led

More from Merriam-Webster on sheep

Nglish: Translation of sheep for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sheep for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sheep

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