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
1
A dog trained to herd or guard sheep.
"The sheepdog rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- sheepdogs
- Third person singular
- sheepdogs
- Past tense
- sheepdogged
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
View more →
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.
