noun
shepherdess
Shepherdess (noun) means a woman who tends sheep. Example: “In the old painting, a shepherdess watches over her flock on a hillside.”
noun
1
A woman who tends sheep.
"In the old painting, a shepherdess watches over her flock on a hillside."
2
A large, deep, cushioned armchair.
"She curled up with a book in the shepherdess by the fire."
How to use shepherdess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA female shepherd, or (less commonly today) a type of large cushioned armchair.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like shepherdess.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- shepherdesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the old painting, a _____ watches over her flock on a hillside.
Etymology
From Middle English scheperdesse, formed from shepherd plus the feminine suffix -ess.
Frequently asked questions
What does “shepherdess” mean?
The word “shepherdess” means a woman who tends sheep. In plain terms, a female shepherd, or (less commonly today) a type of large cushioned armchair.
How do you use “shepherdess” in a sentence?
Here is “shepherdess” used in a sentence: “In the old painting, a shepherdess watches over her flock on a hillside.”
What part of speech is “shepherdess”?
“Shepherdess” is a noun.
Where does the word “shepherdess” come from?
The word “shepherdess” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scheperdesse, formed from shepherd plus the feminine suffix -ess.
How many meanings does “shepherdess” have?
“Shepherdess” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a woman who tends sheep.
