sheep

noun

plural sheep
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

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.
This petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs will have a pumpkin patch with seasonal decorations. Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025 Bill Ruger, the arms manufacturer, made a long shot at a kudu in northern Kenya on a mountain that was bare enough for sheep. Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2025 In the episode, the eyeball monster tries to find a new host in Hermit (Alex Lawther), and removes itself from the sheep's head, killing it. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 But, in life, Dale was the private and estranged black-sheep brother to Don, the next governor of the great state of Oklahoma. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sheep

noun
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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