sheep

noun

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
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.
Advertisement Read more: How Netanyahu Pushed Trump Toward War That day, a shepherd posted cell phone footage of an Israeli C-130 low in the sky over Syria, sheep bells clanking over the roar of the engines. Karl Vick, Time, 19 June 2025 In the first of two clips, four sheep enter via a set of large, wide-open folding glass doors. Colson Thayer, People.com, 17 June 2025 Sequences of compliant sheep, moving to their mechanized slaughter, sometimes cut to scenes of streetwise children, repurposing rubble for games. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 Sometimes they’re tucked away on a windswept coastline, quietly telling stories through stone and sheep. David Nikel, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 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 24 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sheep

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