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 highest-ticket item is a funnel-neck jacket in rich chocolate sheep leather that dissolves into black toward the waist (399€), which can be paired with a matching pencil skirt. — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Thousands of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, mules, and donkeys, were unable to escape. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 The world’s estimated 500 million pastoralists have fine-tuned the skill of living off the meat, dairy, fibers, and hides produced by their herds of sheep, cattle, camels, yaks, reindeer, and llamas. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026 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 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 4 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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