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/ˈʃɛpərd/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who herds and tends sheep.
The shepherd guided the flock through the green pastures.
A person who protects or guides others, especially in a spiritual or pastoral sense.
The pastor saw himself as a shepherd to his congregation.
verb
To guide or direct (a group of people or animals), especially in a protective or nurturing manner.
Shepherd the children safely across the busy street.
To lead or direct an initiative or project.
He was appointed to shepherd the new policy through the legislative process.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'sceaphierde', from 'sceap' (sheep) + 'hierde' (herder).
Common Phrases and Expressions
shepherd's pie
A meat pie made with a crust and filled with ground or minced meat and vegetables.
good shepherd
A term often used in Christianity to describe Jesus as a protector and guide.
shepherd the flock
To guide and take care of a group of people or followers.
Related Words
pasture
Land covered with grass suitable for grazing animals.
herding
The act of moving and managing a group of animals.
flock
A group of sheep or birds.
Slang Meanings
To shepherd someone means to guide or lead them carefully.
The teacher shepherded her students through the difficult project.
In a metaphorical sense, to shepherd ideas is to nurture and develop them.
He had the vision to shepherd the project from conception to completion.