bighorn sheep

noun

big·​horn sheep ˈbig-ˌhȯrn- 

variants or less commonly bighorn

plural bighorn sheep also bighorns or bighorn

: a usually grayish-brown wild sheep (Ovis canadensis) of mountainous and desert regions of western North America

Note: The bighorn sheep has a white patch on the rump and, in the males, massive horns that curve up and back over the ears and then up and forward toward the cheeks.

Illustration of bighorn sheep

Examples of bighorn sheep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The diverse ecosystem now hosts bighorn sheep, wild horses and coyotes across its shrubland and woodland expanses. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Travelers frequently see elk and deer from the train, and Pikes Peak is home to one of Colorado’s largest bighorn sheep herds. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025

The monument's habitat includes 50 rare plant and animal species, the White House notes, including the desert bighorn sheep and its namesake, the Chuckwalla lizard. —Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025

Peninsular bighorn sheep have also been seen grazing at local golf courses. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bighorn sheep

• asleep
• upkeep
• beep
• cheap
• creep
• deep
• heap
• jeep
• keep
• leap
• peep
• reap

Kids Definition

bighorn sheep

noun

big·​horn sheep ˈbig-ˌhȯrn- 

: a usually grayish brown wild sheep of mountainous western North America

called also bighorn, Rocky Mountain sheep