Barbary sheep

noun

: a wild, chiefly brown bovine (Ammotragus lervia) that is closely related to goats and sheep, is native to dry, rocky, mountainous terrain of North Africa but has been introduced into the southwestern U.S., northern Mexico, and Spain, and has a fringe of long hairs extending from the neck to the inner forelegs and horns that curve outward, back, and down : aoudad

Examples of Barbary sheep in a Sentence

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.
People from that region were thought to have dined primarily upon Barbary sheep and snails. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2024 The cacti-spiked, piñon-scented, landscape of red rocks is home to veiny creeks and is dutifully patrolled by black bears, mountain lions, and non-native Barbary sheep. Leilani Maire Labong, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

barbary coast, Africa

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Barbary sheep was in 1749

Dictionary Entries Near Barbary sheep

Cite this Entry

“Barbary sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Barbary%20sheep. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Barbary sheep

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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