Definition of Sheep
Quick Meaning of Sheep
An animal with thick wool that farmers raise for its fleece and meat.
Detailed Definition of Sheep
A woolly farm animal raised for meat and fleece.
How to Pronounce Sheep
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'deep' and 'keep'. The vowel is a long 'ee' sound.
Watch out: Avoid pronouncing it like 'shep' with a short vowel.
Origin and Etymology of Sheep
From Old English 'sceap', related to Germanic languages.
How to Use Sheep in a Sentence
Each example shows “sheep” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The shepherd counted all the sheep on the hillside.”
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“Sheep produce wool, which is used to make sweaters and blankets.”
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“The farmer kept fifty sheep in the barn during winter.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Sheep
Common Synonyms for Sheep
Smart Synonyms for Sheep — When to Use Each
- lamb
- Use for a young sheep, especially for meat
- ewe
- Use when referring to a female sheep
- ram
- Use when specifying a male sheep
Common Collocations with Sheep
These phrases pair with “sheep” in everyday English:
- herd of sheep
- flock of sheep
- counting sheep
- black sheep
- lost sheep
Common Mistakes When Using Sheep
Even fluent speakers slip up with “sheep”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I saw three sheeps on the farm.
- ✓ Correct: I saw three sheep on the farm.
- Why: Sheep is both singular and plural. Never add 's' for the plural form.
- ✗ Wrong: The sheeps jumped over the fence.
- ✓ Correct: The sheep jumped over the fence.
- Why: Irregular plural: sheep remains sheep, not sheeps.
Other Forms of Sheep
- Noun: sheep
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheep
What is the meaning of "Sheep"?
An animal with thick wool that farmers raise for its fleece and meat.
How do you pronounce "Sheep"?
The IPA is /ʃiːp/. Rhymes with 'deep' and 'keep'. The vowel is a long 'ee' sound.
What part of speech is "Sheep"?
"Sheep" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Sheep"?
Common synonyms include ewe, ram, lamb.
How do you use "Sheep" in a sentence?
For example: "The shepherd counted all the sheep on the hillside."