sheep

noun

ˈshēp How to pronounce sheep (audio)
plural sheep
Synonyms of sheepnext
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
see also:
wolf in sheep's clothing

Synonyms of sheep

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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 shepherd’s rod and staff, tools used in tending and protecting sheep, reinforce the sense of security. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 Some herders moved 100 miles (about 160 kilometers) with their cattle in search of water and grazing land; others stayed closer to home with sheep and goats. — Anne Pisor, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Since then, more than 40 cases have been confirmed in southern Texas and southeastern New Mexico, with infestations of cattle, sheep, goats and dogs. — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 One of the loudest voices in the cattle world agitating against the border reopening is Bill Bullard, the CEO of R-CALF, a national association of independent cattle and sheep farmers. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing sheep

Rhymes for sheep

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Browse Nearby Words

sheeny
sheep
sheep's-bane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sheep

noun
ˈshēp How to pronounce sheep (audio)
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sheep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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