plural sheep
often attributive
1
: any of various hollow-horned typically gregarious ruminant mammals (genus Ovis) related to the goats but stockier and lacking a beard in the male
specifically
: one (O. aries) long domesticated especially for its flesh and wool
2
a
: a timid defenseless creature
b
: a timid docile person
especially
: one easily influenced or led
3
: leather prepared from the skins of sheep : sheepskin
Examples of sheep in a Sentence
he came to see that the members of the cult were sheep who naively went along with whatever their leader dictated
Recent Examples on the Web
Halter Ranch introduced 104 Dorper sheep to graze the cover crop and had to raise its trellis system after the sheep happily ate vine leaves alongside the grasses.
—
Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
During the holiday, Muslims typically slaughter sheep or cattle and distribute some of the meat to poor people.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
In one experiment, a photograph of a sheep was run through the system, and its pixels were translated into randomness.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
The backstory Originally a sheep station founded in 1844, Wharekauhau began welcoming guests in the 1970s, when it was run by the Shaw family.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
During the holiday, Muslims typically slaughter sheep or cattle and distribute some of the meat to poor people.
—ABC News, 27 May 2026
In one experiment, a photograph of a sheep was run through the system, and its pixels were translated into randomness.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 May 2026
The backstory Originally a sheep station founded in 1844, Wharekauhau began welcoming guests in the 1970s, when it was run by the Shaw family.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheep
Cite this Entry
“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sheep
noun
plural sheep
1
: any of various cud-chewing mammals that are stockier than the related goats and lack a beard in the male
especially
: one raised for its wool, skin, or flesh
2
: a weak helpless person who is easily led
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