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 group’s 100 percent traceability claim includes safeguards for animals by ensuring the sheep supplying certified wool are treated humanely in a healthy environment.
—
Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026
On top of that, aoudad compete directly with native sheep for forage — so the faster-breeding invasive species is also eating the native species’ food.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
Clover & Bee Farm, which is heading into its fifth summer, raises sheep primarily for wool while also growing herbs and berry fruits.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Sources differ on how uncommon sheep sextuplets are, with O’Connor putting the number around 1 in 1,000 and some agricultural websites placing it at one in a million or higher.
—Amanda Swinhart, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2026
On top of that, aoudad compete directly with native sheep for forage — so the faster-breeding invasive species is also eating the native species’ food.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
Clover & Bee Farm, which is heading into its fifth summer, raises sheep primarily for wool while also growing herbs and berry fruits.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026
Sources differ on how uncommon sheep sextuplets are, with O’Connor putting the number around 1 in 1,000 and some agricultural websites placing it at one in a million or higher.
—Amanda Swinhart, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheep
Cite this Entry
“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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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