black sheep

noun

: a disfavored or disreputable member of a group

Examples of black sheep in a Sentence

She was the black sheep of the family.
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 game remained the black sheep of Blizzard’s lineup, part of a franchise that had been created by another studio—Blizzard North—and one that some Blizzard veterans scoffed at. Jason Schreier, WIRED, 8 Oct. 2024 Its failure broke down Sondheim and Prince’s collaborative relationship and became regarded as Sondheim’s black sheep. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 June 2024 Their black sheep is Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), a hulking figure with a chainsaw who wears the skin of his victims. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024 Last year, Princess Diana's famous black sheep wool sweater fetched $1.1 million, allegedly a record-setting price for an item worn by the late princess, after a last-minute bidding war made the price jump from $190,000 to over a million. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for black sheep 

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black sheep was in 1657

Dictionary Entries Near black sheep

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

black sheep

noun
: a person having a bad reputation in a group with a good reputation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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