Plural of Sheep | Sheep or Sheeps

The correct plural form of sheep is sheep. 

Remember, “sheep” can function as a singular and plural form of the noun.

  • Singular: We lost one sheep but found him hiding in the barn.
  • Plural: Many sheep needed to be sheared.
Examples of sheep being used as a plural
The sheep peacefully grazed the pastures.

Farmers often used sheepdogs to help herd their sheep.

During the winter, the sheep are brought into the barn to keep them warm.

Sheep plural

The plural of “sheep” is “sheep.” This is because while most nouns are pluralized by adding “-s” or “-es,” “sheep” belongs to a group of nouns that maintain their singular form in the plural. Other examples of animals with unchanging plurals include moose and (sometimes) fish.

“Sheeps” and “sheepes” are incorrect plural forms and should not be used in writing.

Sheep or sheeps examples
The shepherd made it a habit to count his sheep every evening.
The shepherd made it a habit to count his sheeps every evening.
The shepherd made it a habit to count his sheepes every evening.
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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.