sheep

noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The farm’s Dirt Lover cheese (a pure sheep’s milk, bloomy rind cheese with a vegetable ash coating) is a 2025 Community Choice Good Food Award winner. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025 This is especially important at a time when the number of sheep in the United States has declined in recent years. Nathaniel Trojanoski, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025 Best for Solo Train Enthusiasts: Scotland Discover the incredible and indelible beauty of the Scottish highlands, full of lochs, glens, castles and fluffy highland cows and sheep on a journey with Vacations by Rail. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 The two dogs have also been trained to chase sheep and goats. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sheep

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English scēap; akin to Old High German scāf sheep

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheep was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids 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

More from Merriam-Webster on sheep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!