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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Nelson’s bighorn sheep live on cliffs in their wilderness area. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 22 May 2026 Visitors to this park may be lucky enough to spot bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, and black-footed ferrets. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Many of these conservation leases have allowed wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and other ungulates to expand their range by not having to compete for limited forage with livestock. — Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 10 June 2026 Yellowstone visitors are advised to remain at least 25 yards away from wildlife in the park, including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer moose and coyotes, according to the agency. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 29 June 2026 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

Rhymes for bighorn sheep

See All Rhymes for bighorn sheep

Browse Nearby Words

Bighorn Mountains
bighorn sheep
big house
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Cite this Entry

“Bighorn sheep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bighorn%20sheep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bighorn sheep

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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