ovine

[ oh-vahyn, oh-vin ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or like sheep.

ovine

/ ˈəʊvaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a sheep

ovine

/ ō′vīn′ /

1. Relating to or characteristic of sheep.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovine¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Late Latin ovīnus, equivalent to Latin ov(is) “sheep” + -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovine¹

C19: from Late Latin ovīnus, from Latin ovis sheep

Example Sentences

Never before in the course of a truly ovine life had Schmucke uttered such words as these.

From Project Gutenberg

If we townspeople see a flock of sheep, it presents to us the same ovine face—only with some difference between old and young.

From Project Gutenberg

If it were necessary to use any interjection here, surely a loud ovine bah!

From Project Gutenberg

The "ovine expression" of this bovine animal is more pronounced in the female.

From Project Gutenberg

Why say, the young sheep of God, if it was an ordinary animal of the mere ovine species that was intended?

From Project Gutenberg