shepherd
7 synonyms for shepherd, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person whose job is to look after a flock of 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 shepherd
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shepherd a flock
shepherd someone through
a good shepherd
Etymology
From Old English sceaphierde, a compound of sceap ("sheep") and hierde ("herder") — literally "sheep-herder."
Full origin of shepherd →Frequently asked questions
What does “shepherd” mean?
The word “shepherd” means a person whose job is to look after a flock of sheep. In plain terms, someone (or something) that looks after and guides a group, whether literal sheep or people.
How do you pronounce “shepherd”?
“Shepherd” is pronounced SHEH-puhd (/ˈʃɛpəɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “shepherd” in a sentence?
Here is “shepherd” used in a sentence: “The shepherd led his flock down from the hills before the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “shepherd”?
Depending on how it is used, “shepherd” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shepherd” come from?
The word “shepherd” comes from Old English. From Old English sceaphierde, a compound of sceap ("sheep") and hierde ("herder") — literally "sheep-herder.".
Is “shepherd” a common word?
“Shepherd” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “shepherd” have?
“Shepherd” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person whose job is to look after a flock of sheep.
What is the difference between a shepherd and a herder?
A shepherd specifically looks after a flock of sheep. A herder is a broader term for someone who tends any grazing animals, such as cattle or goats. Every shepherd is a herder, but not every herder is a shepherd.
What is the difference between shepherd and Shepard?
Shepherd, with a middle "her," is the common noun for someone who tends sheep or guides others. Shepard is chiefly a surname and is spelled without the first "h." The two are pronounced almost identically, which is why they are often confused in writing.
When should you use shepherd as a verb?
You use shepherd as a verb when you guide or carefully lead people or a process through to completion, as in "she shepherded the bill through parliament." It suggests patient, watchful guidance rather than force.
Why is a German shepherd called a shepherd?
A German shepherd is a breed of large working dog originally bred for herding and guarding sheep. The name "shepherd" reflects the dog's traditional role in looking after flocks.
