lamb
6 synonyms for lamb, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A young sheep.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lamb
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
spring lamb
lamb chop
gentle as a lamb
lambing season
Etymology
From Old English lamb, an ancient Germanic word shared across most northern European languages.
Full origin of lamb →Frequently asked questions
What does “lamb” mean?
The word “lamb” means a young sheep. In plain terms, a baby sheep, or the meat from one — also used affectionately for someone innocent or gentle.
How do you pronounce “lamb”?
“Lamb” is pronounced LAM (/ˈleə̯m/ in IPA).
How do you use “lamb” in a sentence?
Here is “lamb” used in a sentence: “The lambs were still wobbly on their legs, only a day old.”
What part of speech is “lamb”?
Depending on how it is used, “lamb” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lamb” come from?
The word “lamb” comes from Old English. From Old English lamb, an ancient Germanic word shared across most northern European languages.
Is “lamb” a common word?
“Lamb” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lamb” have?
“Lamb” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a young sheep.
What is the difference between a lamb and a sheep?
A lamb is a young sheep, while sheep is the general name for the animal at any age. Once grown, a female sheep is called a ewe and a male is called a ram.
What is the difference between lamb and mutton?
Lamb is the meat of a young sheep, while mutton is the meat of an adult sheep. Lamb is generally more tender and milder in flavour, and it is the more widely sold of the two in many countries.
