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

When Shrewsbury was a child, the property had been filled with cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, cats, dogs, chickens, parrots, and llamas. —Dan Kaufman, The New Yorker, 9 May 2024

There will also be carnival rides and livestock shows featuring pigs, turkeys, sheep, rabbits, dogs and cows. —Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 8 May 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