bighorn sheep

noun

big·​horn sheep ˈbig-ˌhȯrn- 

variants or less commonly bighorn

plural bighorn sheep also bighorns or bighorn

: a usually grayish-brown wild sheep (Ovis canadensis) of mountainous and desert regions of western North America

Note: The bighorn sheep has a white patch on the rump and, in the males, massive horns that curve up and back over the ears and then up and forward toward the cheeks.

Illustration of bighorn sheep

Examples of bighorn sheep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Park goers are advised to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals -- including bison, as well as elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes -- and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 June 2026

Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. — Sarah Rose, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

Many of these conservation leases have allowed wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and other ungulates to expand their range by not having to compete for limited forage with livestock. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 10 June 2026

Harmon alerted stakeholders, including Aiello, who was immediately concerned about how the wire might affect a herd of bighorn sheep that migrates across the border. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bighorn sheep

• asleep
• upkeep
• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• reap

Kids Definition

bighorn sheep

noun

big·​horn sheep ˈbig-ˌhȯrn- 

: a usually grayish brown wild sheep of mountainous western North America

called also bighorn, Rocky Mountain sheep