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

In an era when most Icelanders survived predominantly by raising sheep, a blue whale—which can reach more than 95 feet long and weigh as much as 165 tons—was a caloric windfall. —Andrew Chapman, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2024

The first structure on the ranch was originally built in the late 1800s as part of a homestead and sheep ranch. —Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 15 May 2024

The La Plaza Building, a poultry and sheep exhibit barn when the Stock Show was in the Stockyards and later Frank Kent Ford, was remodeled in 1988 and has housed a series of restaurants, retail shops and a brewpub. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2024

The California Highway Patrol on Monday reported a hazard on an Auburn Boulevard freeway on-ramp where about 20 sheep were on the road and in nearby Del Paso Regional Park. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 13 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