sheepfold

noun

sheep·​fold ˈshēp-ˌfōld How to pronounce sheepfold (audio)
: a pen or shelter for sheep

Examples of sheepfold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On the day of the rettir, hundreds of sheep are released into a central wooden sheepfold that’s surrounded by marked compartments—one belonging to each local farmer—that jut out from the inner circle like rays of the sun. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Oct. 2022 This tidy residence in the western Swiss village of Etoy was built in 1830 as a sheepfold. Lauren Beale, Forbes, 30 Aug. 2021 Later, we were married in a sheepfold overlooking the ribbon of river that winds through small agricultural plots and quiet towns huddled up against the road. Kyre Chenven, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near sheepfold

Cite this Entry

“Sheepfold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheepfold. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sheepfold

noun
sheep·​fold ˈshēp-ˌfōld How to pronounce sheepfold (audio)
: a pen or shelter for sheep

More from Merriam-Webster on sheepfold

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!