Search Dictionary
Definition of shepherdess

shepherdess

/ˈʃɛp.ɚ.dɪs/
shep · herd · ess
Plural:shepherdesses
JUMP TO:

shepherdess Lexical Profile

shepherdess Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A woman or girl who tends, herds, feeds, or guards flocks of sheep.

Example

"The painting depicted a young shepherdess guiding her flock across a sunlit meadow."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shepherdess

Word Nuance & Usage

In modern usage, the gender-neutral term 'shepherd' is commonly used for people of any gender who tend sheep, while 'shepherdess' is often reserved for historical, literary, or pastoral art contexts.

• Nearby Words

shenzhen
shepherd
shepherd pie
shepherdess
shepherdia
sherbet
sheriff

Word Origin & Etymology

Recorded in Middle English from the 14th century, formed from 'shepherd' (Old English sceaphierde, from sceap 'sheep' and hierde 'herder') combined with the Old French feminine suffix -ess.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shepherdess. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shepherdess
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.