shepherd

1 of 2

noun

shep·​herd ˈshe-pərd How to pronounce shepherd (audio)
Synonyms of shepherdnext
1
: a person who tends sheep
2
: pastor
3
: german shepherd

shepherd

2 of 2

verb

shepherded; shepherding; shepherds

transitive verb

1
: to tend as a shepherd
2
: to guide or guard in the manner of a shepherd
shepherded the bill through Congress

Synonyms of shepherd

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Verb

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Examples of shepherd in a Sentence

Verb She carefully shepherded the children across the street. They shepherded the bill through Congress.
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.
Noun
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 This is especially important for reactive dogs that can't be around other dogs and working dogs that are bred to have a job, like German shepherds, Dobermans, pit bulls, Belgian Malinois, and Australian shepherds. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
Newmark may have a reputation for shepherding big-ticket sales to completion. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026 Part comedy, part drama, generously part entertainment industry farce, the series proved to be such a smash in its native country that Netflix bought the show in 2015, eventually helping shepherd it to four seasons. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shepherd

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sheepherde, from Old English scēaphyrde, from scēap sheep + hierde herdsman; akin to Old English heord herd

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

circa 1822, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Phrases Containing shepherd

Rhymes for shepherd

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Browse Nearby Words

Shepard
shepherd
shepherd's bag
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

shepherd

1 of 2 noun
shep·​herd ˈshep-ərd How to pronounce shepherd (audio)
1
: a person who takes care of sheep
2
: german shepherd

shepherd

2 of 2 verb
: to care for as or as if a shepherd

More from Merriam-Webster on shepherd

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shepherd

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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