sheaf

noun

ˈshēf How to pronounce sheaf (audio)
plural sheaves ˈshēvz How to pronounce sheaf (audio)
Synonyms of sheaf
1
: a quantity of the stalks and ears of a cereal grass or sometimes other plant material bound together
2
: something resembling a sheaf of grain
a sheaf of papers
3
: a large amount or number
sheaflike
ˈshēf-ˌlīk How to pronounce sheaf (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of sheaf

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Examples of sheaf in a Sentence

contends that casino gambling would generate a sheaf of social problems for the state
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.
This entire object — the space of prime ideals, with the sheaf (and all its stalks) built on top of it — is called an affine scheme. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026 The sum total of Washington’s two-state endeavors is a sheaf of memoirs lamenting a lost peace. — Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2025 The man in his 50s arrived at Ellie Kelepouris’s office carrying a sheaf of medical records. — Charles Schmidt, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026 While there’s enough variety to satisfy visitors of all interests, the athletic events — such as stone put, hammer throw, caber toss, sheaf toss and weight over bar — prove to be a big draw. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sheaf

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sheef, from Old English scēaf; akin to Old High German scoub sheaf, Russian chub forelock

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheaf was before the 12th century

Rhymes for sheaf

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Browse Nearby Words

sheading
sheaf
sheaf arrow
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Cite this Entry

“Sheaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheaf. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sheaf

noun
ˈshēf How to pronounce sheaf (audio)
plural sheaves ˈshēvz How to pronounce sheaf (audio)
1
: a bundle of stalks and ears of grain
2
: a group of things often fastened together and resembling a sheaf of grain
a sheaf of arrows
a sheaf of papers
sheaflike
ˈshē-ˌflīk How to pronounce sheaf (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sheaf

Nglish: Translation of sheaf for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sheaf

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