First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
sheep
noun, often attributive \ˈshēp\
: an animal with a thick woolly coat that is often raised for meat or for its wool and skin
: a person who does what other people say to do
plural sheep
Full Definition of SHEEP
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
See sheep defined for English-language learners
See sheep defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SHEEP
Middle English, from Old English scēap; akin to Old High German scāf sheep
SHEEP Defined for Kids
sheep
noun \ˈshēp\
plural sheep
Definition of SHEEP for Kids
1
: an animal related to the goat that is often raised for meat or for its wool and skin
2
: a weak helpless person who is easily led
Learn More About SHEEP
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sheep? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).