sheep

noun

ˈshēp How to pronounce sheep (audio)
plural sheep
Synonyms of sheepnext
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 of sheep

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While there is no official confirmation that a herd of sheep will graze along the course, which is apparently a longtime tradition on rural courses in Ireland, Duff’s has hinted at the possibility. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026 For example, the great canyon of the Snake River in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington was once excellent wild-sheep country. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026 The clicking was from our electric fence, which was always zapping some errant grass, a misbehaving sheep, or a horny bull. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026 Inspired by the discussion, Gaines, who was living on a farm in New Hampshire at the time, devised a survival game using sheep-marking dye pellets, hosting the first iteration in woods on his land in June 1981. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheep

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

Rhymes for sheep

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Browse Nearby Words

sheeny
sheep
sheep's-bane
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Cite this Entry

“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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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.com: Encyclopedia article about sheep

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