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.
Then there was the flying killer sheep. Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 There’s an imaginative kids club created in partnership with the French fashion brand Tartine et Chocolat and its Edmond Le Mouton (Edmond the sheep) character. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026 But the movie is missing something about the animal mind, writes Jill Lepore, who tends sheep of her own. Akash Kapur, New Yorker, 12 May 2026 Mopple, voiced beautifully by Chris O’Dowd, is the only sheep who can’t forget. Kyle Balda, HollywoodReporter, 12 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 21 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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