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

All the iconic Rocky Mountains animals are present in the park — moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, cougars, and grizzly bears. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

Officials worried that bighorn sheep — one of the rarest hunting tags in Idaho — could be targeted using collar data. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 1 Feb. 2024

Throughout the year, the agency determines deer, javelina, antelope and bighorn sheep populations to quantify the pool for hunters. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2024

There are about 13,000 desert bighorn sheep in the U.S. —Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2024

There’s also the chance to see the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024

This popular SoCal hiking spot is bursting with wildflowers — and bighorn sheep. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024

That also included buying and selling parts of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in violation of state laws, according to prosecutors. —Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024

Here, Camping World noted, visitors can spot everything from mountain goats to elk, bighorn sheep, and even mountain lions. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

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