Meaning & Definition of word "Sheep"

Sheep

/ʃiːp/

noun:

  • 1. A domesticated ruminant mammal with a thick woolly coat, typically kept for its meat or wool.
    • Example: The farmer had a flock of sheep grazing in the meadow.
  • 2. An individual animal of the species Ovis aries, often raised for wool or food.
    • Example: One of the sheep escaped from the pen and wandered into the road.
  • 3. Used in a figurative sense to describe a person who is easily led or influenced.
    • Example: He felt like a sheep following the crowd, not knowing why he was there.

Etymology

Old English 'sceap'; related to similar words in other Germanic languages.

Common Phrases and Expressions

wolf in sheep's clothing:

Someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous.

counting sheep:

A method of trying to fall asleep by imagining sheep jumping over a fence.

Related Words

lamb:

A young sheep, especially one less than one year old.

ram:

An adult male sheep.

Slang Meanings of sheep

Meaning: To be a follower or compliant person.

Example Sentence: Don't be such a sheep; stand up for your beliefs.

Meaning: Sheeple - People who follow the masses without thinking.

Example Sentence: The sheeple just accepted the news without questioning it.