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
Based on the bones found in the cave, many of which show marks from cutting and scraping, the local menu included some birds and small mammals, but also bigger game like bison, deer, relatives of modern horses, and wild sheep and goats.
—
ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025
It was withdrawn when Microsoft first unleashed it on the world, and was put through a privacy and security sheep dip before its second coming.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
These predators, the people say, have been killing sheep and even a human or two.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
But their eggs and hatchlings can get crushed by tractors; they’re also being eaten by foxes, crows and sheep.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025
It was withdrawn when Microsoft first unleashed it on the world, and was put through a privacy and security sheep dip before its second coming.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
These predators, the people say, have been killing sheep and even a human or two.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
But their eggs and hatchlings can get crushed by tractors; they’re also being eaten by foxes, crows and sheep.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheep
Cite this Entry
“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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