sheep

noun

plural sheep
Synonyms of sheepnext
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.
As with yogurt, choose unsweetened versions and, when possible, goat, sheep or water kefir. Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 19 May 2026 Because George, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, routinely read mysteries to his charges before his sudden demise, these sheep aren’t complete novices, said Wilson Chapman in IndieWire. The Week Us, TheWeek, 18 May 2026 Sheep in the Box takes its terrible title from the second chapter in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, in which the narrator, frustrated at his drawings of sheep being deemed inadequate by the character of the title, draws a box and says there’s a sheep inside. Vulture, 17 May 2026 The farm is instant fun for kids, and my kids couldn’t get enough of exploring the greenhouse, fields of corn, and feeding the chickens and sheep. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026 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 22 May. 2026.

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

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