sheep

[sheep]

noun

plural

sheep 

1. any of numerous ruminant mammals of the genus Ovis, of the family Bovidae, closely related to the goats, especially O. aries, bred in a number of domesticated varieties.

2. leather made from the skin of these animals.

3. a meek, unimaginative, or easily led person.

sheep

¹

/ ʃiːp /

noun

1. any of various bovid mammals of the genus Ovis and related genera, esp O. aries ( domestic sheep ), having transversely ribbed horns and a narrow face. There are many breeds of domestic sheep, raised for their wool and for meat

2. another name for aoudad

3. a meek or timid person, esp one without initiative

4. to pick out the members of any group who are superior in some respects

SHEEP

²

abbreviation

1. Sky High Earnings Expectations Possibly: applied to investments that appear to offer high returns but may be unreliable

Other Word Forms

• sheeplike adjective
• sheepless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheep¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English (north) scēp; cognate with Dutch schaap, German Schaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheep¹

Old English sceap; related to Old Frisian skēp, Old Saxon scāp, Old High German scāf

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. separate the sheep from the goats, to separate good people from bad or those intended for a specific end from unqualified people.

see black sheep; hanged for a sheep; separate the sheep from the goats; wolf in sheep's clothing.

Example Sentences

"I want a farm. I want cows, sheep, goats and chickens. That's my dream," Ayton said.

From BBC

And its not just a London thing - viral chains like Gail's and Black Sheep Coffee with cafes across the UK make it - with the latter offering green matcha waffles too.

From BBC

From its humble beginnings at downtown dive bar La Cita, Gothicumbia has drawn black sheep from all over the city — and has since traveled from Riverside to San Francisco.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was either being the black sheep at the Latin clubs or going to the goth club that was always playing the same music. Gothicumbia was something I wish I had when I first started out in the scene.”

From Los Angeles Times

While infestations by the fly larvae primarily affect cattle, Mexican officials also registered cases in dogs, horses, sheep – and humans.

From BBC

Related Words

• darkness 
• fog 
• gloom 
• mist 
• puff 
• smog 
• smoke 
• steam 
• vapor 
• veil