Ewe vs. Sheep — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
A Ewe is a female sheep, while "Sheep" refers to the domesticated ruminant animal, regardless of gender.
Difference Between Ewe and Sheep
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Ewe specifically denotes the female gender of the species, whereas Sheep is a general term used for the entire species irrespective of gender.
When discussing breeding, a Ewe is essential for reproduction, while Sheep can refer to either the male or female members involved.
In terms of terminology, if someone mentions a Ewe, they are explicitly talking about a female member. On the other hand, Sheep could mean any member of the species, whether it be male, female, young, or old.
A Sheep can be a ram (male), a ewe (female), or even a lamb (young sheep). However, a Ewe will always be an adult female sheep.
When shearing, both the Ewe and other Sheep provide wool, but certain characteristics like thickness or texture might vary depending on the age and gender of the sheep.
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Comparison Chart
Gender
Female
Can be male, female, or young
Usage
Specific gender term
General term for the species
Reproduction
Essential for breeding
Refers to both genders involved
Age
Always adult
Can be of any age
Wool Characteristics
Might vary based on health and age
Wool quality varies with age and gender
Compare with Definitions
Ewe
An adult female sheep.
The Ewe grazed separately from the rams.
Sheep
A source of wool, meat, and milk.
The Sheep were sheared every summer for their wool.
Ewe
Provider of wool in shearing.
The Ewe yielded a generous amount of wool this year.
Sheep
A domesticated ruminant animal.
The farmer had fifty Sheep in his pasture.
Ewe
Sometimes used in religious or cultural references.
The sacrificial Ewe was adorned for the ceremony.
Sheep
Can refer to both singular and plural contexts.
Look at the Sheep grazing over there!
Ewe
Distinct from a lamb or a ram.
Unlike the lamb, the Ewe was calm and experienced.
Sheep
Used in many idioms and phrases.
He's like a Sheep following the herd.
Ewe
A female sheep, especially when full grown.
Sheep
A symbol of meekness or innocence in literature.
The poet compared the child's innocence to a Sheep.
Ewe
A member of a people inhabiting southeast Ghana, southern Togo, and southern Benin.
Sheep
Sheep (Ovis aries) are quadrupedal, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Like all ruminants, sheep are members of the order Artiodactyla, the even-toed ungulates.
Ewe
The Gbe language of the Ewe people.
Sheep
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Ovis aries) having a thick coat, raised in many breeds for its wool, edible flesh, or hide.
Ewe
A female sheep, as opposed to a ram.
Sheep
Any of various wild ruminant mammals related to and resembling the domestic sheep, such as the aoudad, bighorn sheep, and mouflon.
Ewe
The female of the sheep, and of sheeplike animals.
Sheep
Leather made from the skin of one of these animals.
Ewe
A member of a people living in southern Benin and Togo and southeastern Ghana
Sheep
A person regarded as timid, weak, or submissive.
Ewe
A Kwa language spoken by the Ewe people in Ghana and Togo and Benin
Sheep
One who is easily swayed or led.
Ewe
Female sheep
Sheep
(countable) A woolly ruminant of the genus Ovis.
Ewe
Used in breeding contexts.
The farmer brought a new Ewe for breeding purposes.
Sheep
The domestic Ovies aries, the most well known species of Ovis.
Sheep
(countable) A timid, shy person who is easily led by others.
Sheep
A religious adherent, a member of a congregation or religious community (compare flock).
Sheep
(uncountable) Sheepskin leather.
Sheep
A person who is easily understood by a speech recognition system; contrasted with goat.
Sheep
Any one of several species of ruminants of the genus Ovis, native of the higher mountains of both hemispheres, but most numerous in Asia.
Sheep
A weak, bashful, silly fellow.
Sheep
Fig.: The people of God, as being under the government and protection of Christ, the great Shepherd.
Sheep
Woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
Sheep
A timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon
Sheep
A docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision;
His students followed him like sheep
Common Curiosities
Can a ram be called a Ewe?
No, a ram is a male sheep; a Ewe is specifically female.
Can a young female sheep be called a Ewe?
No, a young female sheep is typically called a lamb or ewe lamb.
What is the primary role of a Ewe in a flock?
A Ewe primarily serves for breeding and wool production.
Are all Sheep sheared?
Most breeds of Sheep are sheared for wool, but not all.
What does the term Sheep mean?
"Sheep" refers to the domesticated ruminant animal, regardless of its gender.
Why is the term Sheep often associated with followers in metaphors?
Because Sheep tend to follow a leader or a herd, they've become symbolic of those who follow without question.
How can I differentiate between a Ewe and a ram in a flock?
Ewes typically have no horns or smaller horns than rams, and rams often have more massive builds.
Is "Sheep" singular or plural?
"Sheep" can be both singular and plural.
What is a Ewe?
A Ewe is an adult female sheep.
Can you use Ewe and Sheep interchangeably?
Not always. While all Ewes are Sheep, not all Sheep are Ewes.
Is the wool from a Ewe different from that of a ram?
The wool can vary based on the health, age, and breed, but gender-specific differences are typically minimal.
Are Ewes only valuable for breeding purposes in a farm setting?
No, Ewes are also valued for wool production and sometimes meat.
Which is more specific, Ewe or Sheep?
Ewe is more specific, referring only to adult female sheep.
Can the word Sheep be used to denote a lamb?
Yes, "Sheep" can refer to members of any age, including lambs.
Are all Sheep white?
No, Sheep come in various colors, including black, brown, and mixed shades.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
