sheep

American  

[sheep] / ʃip /

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.

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idioms

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

sheep ¹ British  

/ 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

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SHEEP ² British  

abbreviation

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

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sheep More Idioms  

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

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Other Word Forms

• sheepless adjective
• sheeplike adjective

Etymology

Origin of sheep

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

Example Sentences

"I think a lot of country folk just want to be left alone to breed their sheep and hang their moles and resent people who come to the countryside with different views," he says.

From BBC

But some parents have said the scheme needs updating as only products from cows, goats and sheep are eligible and each school decides whether to offer alternatives.

From BBC

Grazing fields that once supported herds of goats, sheep and camels are bare.

From BBC

But that could end next year after the Home Office ended a long-standing arrangement which allows foreign sheep shearers to have visa-free access to the UK.

From BBC

One farmer told the BBC that dog attacks on his sheep were a constant "nightmare" and countryside visitors needed to be better educated about the risks.

From BBC

Related Words

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