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
The gang also stole 18 oxen, 30 pigs, and about 200 sheep and lambs.
—
ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
While the human presence on the islands by the Chumash Indians dates back some 13,000 years, Santa Cruz provided grazing for both cattle and sheep in more recent history.
—Paul Bersebach, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
While there, the King saw the cattle, sheep and goats on display, and was asked to present the Livestock Inter-Breed Championship Trophies.
—Greta Bjornson, People.com, 3 June 2025
Denver Broncos Kids with helmets of the Broncos’ opponents go mutton busting (sheep riding) with Mark Johnson, the voice of the Colorado Buffaloes, narrating.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
While the human presence on the islands by the Chumash Indians dates back some 13,000 years, Santa Cruz provided grazing for both cattle and sheep in more recent history.
—Paul Bersebach, Oc Register, 4 June 2025
While there, the King saw the cattle, sheep and goats on display, and was asked to present the Livestock Inter-Breed Championship Trophies.
—Greta Bjornson, People.com, 3 June 2025
Denver Broncos Kids with helmets of the Broncos’ opponents go mutton busting (sheep riding) with Mark Johnson, the voice of the Colorado Buffaloes, narrating.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 16 May 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 12 Jun. 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
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