ewe

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈyü How to pronounce ewe (audio)
in rural dialects also
ˈyō How to pronounce ewe (audio)
: the female of the sheep especially when mature
also : the female of various related animals

Ewe

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈā-ˌwā How to pronounce Ewe (audio)
ˈā-ˌvā
plural Ewe also Ewes
: a people of Ghana and Togo speaking a Kwa language
also : the language itself

Examples of ewe in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The Whanganui River winds past the property, which is home to 3,500 breeding ewes and herds of red and fallow deer. Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025 In total, three ewes contributed to Dolly’s creation. Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
The Whanganui River winds past the property, which is home to 3,500 breeding ewes and herds of red and fallow deer. Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025 In total, three ewes contributed to Dolly’s creation. Sarah Holzmann, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ewe

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English ēowu; akin to Old High German ouwi ewe, Latin ovis sheep, Greek ois

Noun (2)

Ewe eβe, βe, a self-designation

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1861, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ewe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ewe. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ewe

noun
: a female of the sheep or a related animal especially when mature

Medical Definition

ewe

noun
: the female of the sheep especially when mature
also : the female of various related animals

More from Merriam-Webster on ewe

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