sheep

noun

ˈshēp 

plural sheep

often attributive

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

• angel
• dove
• innocent
• lamb

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 village, one of the venues at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, said the mauled sheep was found in the early morning hours on Tuesday. —Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2024

It's called the intrauterine position phenomenon, or intrauterine position effects, and different versions of it have been observed in rodents, pigs, sheep — and, probably, humans. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024

Moore: Unfortunately, Lalanne sheep are just signifiers of enormous wealth. —Evan Moffitt, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

Animal adventures are just as likely here, with everything from burrows and fairy shrimp to mule deer, tortoise, and sheep. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024

The idea was to build courage, curiosity and compassion among adolescents, and their ranks have ranged from the children of sheep farmers and diplomats to a certain angsty member of the British royal family named Charles. —Damien Cave, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024

At Borris, the Festival of Writing and Ideas has a similar eclectic mix of authors and celebrities, but a mood more like a medieval carnival, with tents, sheep wandering around, and colorful banners on the grounds of the old Irish mansion, Borris House. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024

To create several hybrid sheep, Schubarth then used MMK's semen to artificially impregnate various species of female sheep, the DOJ said. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2024

Itto now leads a cooperative of women who weave high-quality rugs in the valley of Ait Hamza, which is known for its sheep and wool. —Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 3 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing sheep

• aoudad sheep
• Barbary sheep
• bighorn sheep
• black sheep
• blue sheep
• Dall sheep
• Dall's sheep
• fat-tailed sheep
• mountain sheep
• Rocky Mountain sheep
• separate the sheep from the goats
• sheep fescue
• sheep ked
• sheep laurel
• sheep's eye
• sheep sorrel
• sheep walk
• wolf in sheep's clothing

Kids Definition

sheep

noun

ˈshēp 

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