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
Several Ramona elementary schools Transitional-Kindergarten and kindergarten students visited the farm and rotated through hands-on learning stations that included cattle, sheep and goats, swine, greenhouse activities and agricultural mechanics demonstrations.
—
Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Then, in 1996, along came the cloning of Dolly the sheep.
—Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 9 June 2026
An infamous poster promoting that campaign depicted white sheep kicking their black brethren out of the frame.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
The area is home to a mind-boggling variety of wildlife; expect to see namesake Bighorn sheep, Pryor horses, and black bears, among other species.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Then, in 1996, along came the cloning of Dolly the sheep.
—Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 9 June 2026
An infamous poster promoting that campaign depicted white sheep kicking their black brethren out of the frame.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
The area is home to a mind-boggling variety of wildlife; expect to see namesake Bighorn sheep, Pryor horses, and black bears, among other species.
—Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 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 18 Jun. 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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