bighorn sheep

noun

big·​horn sheep ˈbig-ˌhȯrn- How to pronounce bighorn sheep (audio)
variants or less commonly bighorn
plural bighorn sheep also bighorns or bighorn
: a usually grayish-brown wild sheep (Ovis canadensis) of mountainous and desert regions of western North America

Note: The bighorn sheep has a white patch on the rump and, in the males, massive horns that curve up and back over the ears and then up and forward toward the cheeks.

Illustration of bighorn sheep

Illustration of bighorn sheep

Examples of bighorn sheep in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Hunting for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion, and wild turkey in the monument is managed by Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 3 Oct. 2024 An episode on Zion National Park showcases bighorn sheep, whose horns were traditionally used for bows and arrows. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2024 The area supports wildlife ranging from bighorn sheep, and mule deer to bald eagles, owls and songbirds. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024 Bald eagles, another predator and scavenger, and bighorn sheep, a rugged mountain animal, have been reintroduced in native ranges and thrived. Christine Peterson, Vox, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bighorn sheep 

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bighorn sheep was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near bighorn sheep

Cite this Entry

“Bighorn sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bighorn%20sheep. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bighorn sheep

noun
big·​horn sheep ˈbig-ˌhȯrn- How to pronounce bighorn sheep (audio)
: a usually grayish brown wild sheep of mountainous western North America

called also bighorn, Rocky Mountain sheep

More from Merriam-Webster on bighorn sheep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!