sheep

noun, often attributive

\ ˈshēp

plural sheep

Definition of sheep

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

2a : a timid defenseless creature

b : a timid docile person especially : one easily influenced or led

3 : leather prepared from the skins of sheep : sheepskin

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing sheep Learn More About sheep

Synonyms & Antonyms for sheep

Synonyms

Antonyms

wolf

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 The goats and sheep are being used to help reduce the risk of grass fires that could spread to nearby homes. — Jiovanni Lieggi, Fox News, 27 Apr. 2022 The other inhabitants of Jidada are pigs and cows, goats and sheep, cats and dogs, chickens and the odd peacock. — New York Times, 6 Mar. 2022 Bones from pigs and ruminants (like cattle, goats, and sheep) will produce more fat and collagen than poultry like chicken or turkey. — Audrey Bruno, SELF, 26 Feb. 2022 The plan called for a series of fire breaks, herds of goats, sheep and cattle to graze dry grasses and an emergency response system featuring high-definition fire detection cameras, an onsite fire station and a helipad. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2022 In the valley of the Wadi Azum, a seasonal river in western Darfur near the modern-day border with Chad, generations of Aziza Idris Ahmed’s family tended cows, goats and sheep. — Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2021 The Tarim people apparently did mix culturally with their neighbors, adopting such practices as herding cattle, goats and sheep, as well as farming wheat, barley and millet. — Livia Gershon, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Oct. 2021 Goats and sheep look up from a munch to watch a car drive by. — Jill Barth, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2021 Goats and sheep raced by as ducks waddled around the garden, which stretches a city block. — Alex Mann, baltimoresun.com, 11 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sheep.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.