sheepish
Americanadjective
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embarrassed or bashful, as by having done something wrong or foolish.
-
like sheep, as in meekness, docility, etc.
adjective
-
abashed or embarrassed, esp through looking foolish or being in the wrong
-
resembling a sheep in timidity or lack of initiative
Other Word Forms
- sheepishly adverb
- sheepishness noun
Etymology
Origin of sheepish
First recorded in 1150–1200, sheepish is from the Middle English word shepisshe; sheep, -ish 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I’m here for the larnin’,” he said, sheepish, “and the long haul.”
From Literature
When he straightens to standing he throws his arms up in a sheepish shrug.
From Literature
When she noticed me watching, she gave a sheepish shrug.
From Literature
With a sheepish look on his red face, Grandpa said in a whisper, “I’m sorry. This is our first time in a library.”
From Literature
Danny felt a bit sheepish, but he walked closer to her desk station.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
