sheaf

noun

ˈshēf 

plural sheaves ˈshēvz 

1

: a quantity of the stalks and ears of a cereal grass or sometimes other plant material bound together

2

: something resembling a sheaf of grain

a sheaf of papers

3

: a large amount or number

sheaflike

ˈshēf-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms of sheaf

• loads
• ton
• dozen
• slew
• plenty
• pile
• bunch
• chunk
• bundle
• raft
• deal
• stack
• quantity
• wealth
• lot
• fistful

Examples of sheaf in a Sentence

contends that casino gambling would generate a sheaf of social problems for the state

Recent Examples on the Web

Border collies in the sheepdog trials were quick and fascinating, while muscled athletic fans showed off their strength in the caber toss, weight-for-height and sheaf toss competitions, which remained a crowd favorite for families. — Ray Chavez, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2026

As lawyers crowded in, Reddington could be seen slapping down a sheaf of papers. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Shares in the company rose a little in overnight trading, perhaps buoyed by a sheaf of analyst notes from JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank, and Morgan Stanley, who all rated the stock a buy. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 8 July 2026

This entire object — the space of prime ideals, with the sheaf (and all its stalks) built on top of it — is called an affine scheme. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sheef, from Old English scēaf; akin to Old High German scoub sheaf, Russian chub forelock

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sheaf

• beef
• brief
• chief
• fief
• grief
• leaf
• lief
• reef
• reif
• seif
• thief
• belief

Kids Definition

sheaf

noun

ˈshēf 

plural sheaves ˈshēvz 

1

: a bundle of stalks and ears of grain

2

: a group of things often fastened together and resembling a sheaf of grain

a sheaf of arrows

a sheaf of papers

sheaflike

ˈshē-ˌflīk 

adjective