shepherd
shepherd Lexical Profile
shepherd Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person whose occupation is to tend, herd, feed, and guard flocks of sheep, especially in open pastures.
"The shepherd guided his flock down from the highland pastures before the first winter snow arrived."
A spiritual leader, pastor, or guardian who guides, protects, and cares for a congregation or group of people.
"The retired bishop was remembered as a compassionate shepherd who supported his community through difficult decades."
Any of various intelligent, medium-to-large working dog breeds (Canis lupus familiaris), such as the German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd, originally bred to herd and protect livestock.
"They adopted a young shepherd from the rescue shelter and trained her in agility trials."
• verb
To guide, direct, or steer a person, group, or complex undertaking carefully toward a particular destination or outcome.
"The senior diplomat helped shepherd the peace treaty through several months of delicate negotiations."
To tend, herd, watch over, or drive a flock of sheep or other livestock.
"Villagers take turns to shepherd the communal flock across the valley."
• Rhymes for shepherd
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English sceaphierde, a compound of sceap ('sheep') and hierde ('herdsman' or 'keeper').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.