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

As wildlife biologist Christina Aiello searches for droppings of bighorn sheep, which are relatively abundant, the dog duo from Rogue Detection Teams will sniff out harder-to-find bobcat and mountain lion scat. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

Weave your way through Centennial State symbols like columbines and bighorn sheep. — Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2026

Elk and deer are spotted around the lodge, while moose, bears, wolves, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep are out in the surrounding area. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

But for conservationists, the cottonwoods and surrounding area are worth protecting for their many other residents, including antelope, bighorn sheep and potentially jaguar. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 29 July 2026

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