sheep

noun, often attributive \ ˈshēp \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of sheep

plural 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

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

See sheep defined for English-language learners

See sheep defined for kids

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 of sheep from the Web

The ill-fated sheep had been grazing on grass covered in the chemical.

— lorraine boissoneault, Smithsonian, "How the Death of 6,000 Sheep Spurred the American Debate on Chemical Weapons," 9 Apr. 2018
Some of the steroids found at the scene are highly-potent drugs exclusively meant for use on large animals such as cattle, sheep swine, and horses and should only be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

— daniela sternitzky-di napoli, Houston Chronicle, "Roosters wearing steel blades rescued from Crosby cockfighting ring," 7 Apr. 2018
Yes, sheep placenta is the main ingredient in the anti-aging MZ Skin's Restorative Placenta & Stem Cell Night Serum.

— alex warner, Marie Claire, "This Anti-Aging Serum Is Made With Sheep Placenta, and What?," 6 Apr. 2018
For spring break, Lulu’s family drives two hours north from Toluca, through dry corn fields and sheep pastures, up rutted dirt roads to San Nicolas Solis, the tiny village where Lulu’s parents were born and raised.

— kevin sullivan, Washington Post, "Lulu’s choice," 5 Apr. 2018
The sheep farming industry is heavily subsidized in France.

— colette davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, "France's wolves are back. Now, can it protect its farmers?," 4 Apr. 2018
As example, the Discover Ireland itinerary (June 29 – July 7) includes Gaelic language lessons; two-night stay in an Irish Castle; lesson in Gaelic football; visit to a local sheep farm; cruise along the Cliffs of Moher; and much more.

— necee regis, BostonGlobe.com, "Here, there, and everywhere," 4 Apr. 2018
Learn how wool goes from sheep to sweater at demo booths, wool activities.

— chronicle staff report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Kids listings," 29 Mar. 2018
From lipsticks that contain carmine (red dye from beetles) to moisturizers that are made with lanolin (a waxy substance from sheep glands), shopping for vegan beauty products can be tough.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "Milk Makeup Is Now Completely Vegan," 28 Mar. 2018

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.