Brebis (en. Sheep)
/bʁe.bi/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
A domesticated animal of the ovine family, often raised for its meat, wool, or milk.
The sheep graze quietly in the field.
Les brebis paissent tranquillement dans le champ.
A ewe can also refer to a female of certain species of mammals.
The ewe is usually less aggressive than the male.
La brebis est généralement moins agressive que le mâle.
Today, the term is sometimes used to refer to a person deemed submissive or easily influenced.
She is so sweet, she looks like a real sheep.
Elle est si douce, on dirait une vraie brebis.
Etymology
From the Latin 'vervecem', which means sheep.
Common Phrases and Expressions
sheep's heads
Refers to people who blindly follow the group.
têtes de brebis
Related Words
sheep
Domesticated animal of the same species, male or female.
mouton
lamb
Young sheep, often used for meat.
agneau
sheep's milk
Milk produced by a ewe, often used to make cheese.
lait de brebis
Slang Meanings
Pejorative term to refer to a manipulable person.
He is really a sheep, he does everything he is told.
Il est vraiment une brebis, il fait tout ce que l'on lui dit.
Sometimes used to describe a cute but naive person.
She is pretty, but she is a real sheep when it comes to business.
Elle est jolie, mais c'est une vraie brebis quand il s'agit de business.