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
This would be my first crack at hunting native North American sheep.
—
Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
As always, animals will be at the forefront of the annual fair with shows for dairy cows, beef, swine, sheep and poultry taking over AGtivity Hall for showmanship competitions.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025
McCartney is seen in this footage, holed up on a remote farm in Scotland with his wife Linda and their kids along with some sheep and horses.
—Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
In sheep given creatine, the fetus’ brain is more protected from oxygen deprivation.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
As always, animals will be at the forefront of the annual fair with shows for dairy cows, beef, swine, sheep and poultry taking over AGtivity Hall for showmanship competitions.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025
McCartney is seen in this footage, holed up on a remote farm in Scotland with his wife Linda and their kids along with some sheep and horses.
—Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
In sheep given creatine, the fetus’ brain is more protected from oxygen deprivation.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 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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