WordGarden.iosheep
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈiːp/
US
- /ˈʃip/
Meanings
Noun
a woolly domesticated mammal kept for meat, milk, or wool
a person or group seen as blindly obedient or too easily led
Beyond the definition
We usually think of sheep as gentle farm animals raised for wool, meat, and sometimes milk. But in everyday English, the word can also describe a person who simply follows other people instead of thinking for themselves. The idea comes from the way a flock moves together.
The phrase "black sheep" is common too. It means a person in a family or group who seems different from the others, often in a way people disapprove of. And in the phrase "counting sheep," the animal appears in the old idea that imagining a flock can help you fall asleep. So this word can point to an animal, a follower, or someone who stands apart from the group.
The word "sheep" most commonly refers to a domesticated mammal raised for its fleece, meat, and milk. These gentle creatures are known for their thick, curly wool and tendency to gather in flocks—a behavior that has shaped the way we use the word metaphorically.
Beyond the farm, "sheep" describes someone who lacks independent thought or readily follows the actions of others. This usage stems from the animal's flocking instinct; they tend to move as one, without individual initiative. You might say, "Don't be a sheep! Think for yourself!" It carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of originality or courage.
The phrase "black sheep" is a well-known idiom. It refers to a person who stands apart from the rest of a family or group, often because they are seen as troublesome, embarrassing, or simply different.
Historically, sheep have been incredibly important to human societies, providing essential resources for clothing and sustenance. Even today, the image of a shepherd leading his flock is a powerful symbol of guidance and care. And when you're tossing and turning at night, "counting sheep" remains a classic (though perhaps not always effective!) sleep aid.
So, whether it is a source of wool, a metaphor for conformity, an outlier, or a bedtime ritual, the word "sheep" holds layers of meaning woven into our language and culture.
Examples
- 1
Road hazard
There's a sheep in the road, so slow down.
- 2
Plural form
We saw hundreds of sheep on the hill.
- Grammar
sheep is both singular and plural
- 3
Storm preparation
The farmer moved the sheep into the barn before the storm.
- 4
Farming tradition
Her family has kept sheep on this land for generations.
- Phrasekeep sheep
raise sheep on a farm
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Sleep habit
When I can't sleep, I try counting sheep.
- Phrasecount sheep
imagine sheep one by one to help yourself fall asleep
- 6
Family idiom
He's always felt like the black sheep of the family.
- Phrasethe black sheep
the family member seen as different or a problem
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sheepnoun