noun

sheepdog

Sheepdog (noun) means a dog trained to herd or guard sheep. Example: “The sheepdog rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer.”

noun

A dog trained to herd or guard sheep.

"The sheepdog rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer."

Informally, someone who watches over and protects a group of people.

"The tour guide acted as sheepdog, keeping the group together through the crowded market."

How to use sheepdog

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dog bred or trained to herd sheep; also used loosely for anyone who shepherds a group of people.

Common pairings

a border collie sheepdog sheepdog trial

Word forms

sheepdogged past tense, sheepdogs plural, sheepdogs singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer.

Etymology

From "sheep" plus "dog."

Synonyms

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sheep dog shepherd dog

Frequently asked questions

What does “sheepdog” mean?

The word “sheepdog” means a dog trained to herd or guard sheep. In plain terms, a dog bred or trained to herd sheep; also used loosely for anyone who shepherds a group of people.

How do you use “sheepdog” in a sentence?

Here is “sheepdog” used in a sentence: “The sheepdog rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer.”

What part of speech is “sheepdog”?

“Sheepdog” is a noun.

How many meanings does “sheepdog” have?

“Sheepdog” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dog trained to herd or guard sheep.