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
By opening her hogan to visitors, Yazzie hopes to introduce people to the Navajo lifestyle, which traditionally involves herding sheep, weaving rugs, growing crops, and silversmithing.
—
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2025
Some hold the skulls of wild sheep, but one specific burial has the breastbone, a great bustard with cut marks.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
According to the American Kennel Club, they were originally bred to herd sheep in the hilly border country between Scotland and England, and are known for their extraordinary work ethic, energy, and trainability.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
The battles are chockablock with clashing swords and explosions; more whimsical stuff, such as a house made of sheep wool and another constructed entirely of mushrooms, is relegated to background-joke status.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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.
Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2025
Some hold the skulls of wild sheep, but one specific burial has the breastbone, a great bustard with cut marks.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
According to the American Kennel Club, they were originally bred to herd sheep in the hilly border country between Scotland and England, and are known for their extraordinary work ethic, energy, and trainability.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
The battles are chockablock with clashing swords and explosions; more whimsical stuff, such as a house made of sheep wool and another constructed entirely of mushrooms, is relegated to background-joke status.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share