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
For example, Montana has about 1,100 wolves, which in 2024 killed 54 domestic animals — 35 cattle, 16 sheep and 3 foals, the scientists said.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Emma Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, and Hong Chau star (as people), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby play some sheep.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
The name Shetland has come to be associated with its namesake sheep, and the islands are globally known for their spinning and knitting traditions.
—Sarah Moss, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Visitors can attend shows for cattle, swine, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys and poultry.
—Brayden Garcia
january 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sheep
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Cite this Entry
“Sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheep. Accessed 13 Jan. 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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