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.
This can be an issue for pet owners and farmers, since coyotes are known to go after pets and livestock including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and sheep. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024 Between the lines: Officials said the case was detected in an operation that has a mix of poultry, swine and other livestock, such as sheep and goats. Tina Reed, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 Other species of animals, such as sheep and goats, were also on the farm but have not shown signs of illness. Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Black Sheep stars Nathan Meister as Henry, a man who grew up on a sheep farm but developed a deep phobia of them. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near sheep

Cite this Entry

“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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

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