shepherd

1 of 2

noun

shep·​herd ˈshe-pərd How to pronounce shepherd (audio)
1
: a person who tends sheep
2
: pastor
3

shepherd

2 of 2

verb

shepherded; shepherding; shepherds

transitive verb

1
: to tend as a shepherd
2
: to guide or guard in the manner of a shepherd
shepherded the bill through Congress

Examples of shepherd in a Sentence

Verb She carefully shepherded the children across the street. They shepherded the bill through Congress.
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.
Noun
The video features Daisy, a German shepherd, whose unique way of anticipating steps has captivated viewers. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 But after months in the shelter, the German shepherd/Labrador retriever mix has remained in his kennel as hundreds of other dogs have been adopted before him. Mike Stunson july 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
Verb
Any cuts to local earmarks would be sure to draw pushback from state lawmakers who shepherd the requests through the annual budget process and often take credit for the financial victories when cities and towns in their legislative districts eventually put the money to use. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, has been shepherding the process of getting Trump's flagship legislation across the finish line. Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shepherd

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sheepherde, from Old English scēaphyrde, from scēap sheep + hierde herdsman; akin to Old English heord herd

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shepherd was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shepherd.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shepherd. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

shepherd

1 of 2 noun
shep·​herd ˈshep-ərd How to pronounce shepherd (audio)
1
: a person who takes care of sheep
2

shepherd

2 of 2 verb
: to care for as or as if a shepherd

More from Merriam-Webster on shepherd

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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