shepherd

1 of 2

noun

shep·​herd ˈshe-pərd 

1

: a person who tends sheep

2

: pastor

3

: german shepherd

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

Synonyms

Verb

• coach
• counsel
• guide
• lead
• mentor
• pilot
• show
• tutor

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

Noun

Contra American voters are far more split on who would be a better shepherd of inflation. —Derek Saul, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Returning for a second sequel in this indie-slasher-turned-runaway-train, star David Howard Thornton reprises his role as Art: a supernatural shepherd of theatrical joy. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2024

Verb

For his part, John also had some praise for the veteran live entertainment executive, praising Marciano for shepherding a 2004 residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and more recently for coordinating his record-breaking farewell tour. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024

Leadership Empathy: The X-Factor In Change Management Leaders play a pivotal role in shepherding their organizations through change. —Leslie Poston, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing shepherd

• Anatolian shepherd
• Australian shepherd
• English shepherd
• German shepherd
• shepherd dog
• shepherd's check
• shepherd's pie
• shepherd's purse

Kids Definition

shepherd

1 of 2 noun

shep·​herd ˈshep-ərd 

1

: a person who takes care of sheep

2

: german shepherd

shepherd

2 of 2 verb

: to care for as or as if a shepherd