Barbary sheep
noun
: a wild, chiefly brown bovine (Ammotragus lervia) that is closely related to goats and sheep, is native to dry, rocky, mountainous terrain of North Africa but has been introduced into the southwestern U.S., northern Mexico, and Spain, and has a fringe of long hairs extending from the neck to the inner forelegs and horns that curve outward, back, and down : aoudad
Examples of Barbary sheep in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The cacti-spiked, piñon-scented, landscape of red rocks is home to veiny creeks and is dutifully patrolled by black bears, mountain lions, and non-native Barbary sheep.
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Leilani Maire Labong, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2023
Leilani Maire Labong, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2023
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Word History
Etymology
barbary coast, Africa
First Known Use
1749, in the meaning defined above
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“Barbary sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Barbary%20sheep. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on Barbary sheep
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Barbary sheep
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