Lamb vs. Sheep — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
Lamb is a young sheep, typically less than one year old. Sheep is domesticated ruminant mammal, raised for its wool, meat, or milk.
Difference Between Lamb and Sheep
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lamb is refers to the early stage of a sheep's life, usually up to one year. Sheep is broader term encompassing sheep of all ages, including lambs.
Lamb is often used to specify the young and tender meat of a sheep. Sheep is used to refer to the animal in general, regardless of age.
Lamb is younger, smaller, and generally considered more tender for culinary purposes. Sheep can be of various ages, larger, and valued for wool, milk, and meat.
Lamb is part of a sheep's lifecycle, which includes lamb, ewe (female sheep), and ram (male sheep). Sheep is
the term for the animal throughout its life stages.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Young sheep, typically under one year
Domesticated ruminant raised for wool, meat, or milk
Age
Refers to the early stage of a sheep's life
Encompasses sheep of all ages
Usage
Often used to specify tender meat
Used to refer to the animal in general
Characteristics
Younger, smaller, and more tender
Vary in age, larger, valued for multiple purposes
Lifecycle
Part of the sheep's lifecycle
The term for the animal throughout its life
Compare with Definitions
Lamb
A young sheep, prized for its tender meat.
We enjoyed a delicious roast lamb for dinner.
Sheep
Valued for wool, milk, and meat production.
The flock of sheep provides us with wool for textiles and meat for sustenance.
Lamb
The juvenile stage of a sheep's life.
The farmer carefully tends to the lambs in the spring.
Sheep
Domesticated ruminant animals raised for various purposes.
Sheep farming is an important part of our agricultural heritage.
Lamb
Often featured in traditional dishes like lamb stew and kebabs.
The chef's speciality is a savory lamb curry.
Sheep
Grazing peacefully in pastures, they play a role in maintaining ecosystems.
Sheep help manage vegetation in our conservation area.
Lamb
A young sheep.
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.
Lamb
(of a ewe) give birth to lambs
Shetland sheep lamb very easily
Sheep
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Ovis aries) having a thick coat, raised in many breeds for its wool, edible flesh, or hide.
Lamb
Encourage someone to squander their money, especially on alcohol
Pitt had been lambed down at the Pig and Whistle
Sheep
Any of various wild ruminant mammals related to and resembling the domestic sheep, such as the aoudad, bighorn sheep, and mouflon.
Lamb
A young sheep, especially one that is not yet weaned.
Sheep
Leather made from the skin of one of these animals.
Lamb
The flesh of a young sheep used as meat.
Sheep
A person regarded as timid, weak, or submissive.
Lamb
Lambskin.
Sheep
One who is easily swayed or led.
Lamb
A sweet, mild-mannered person; a dear.
Sheep
(countable) A woolly ruminant of the genus Ovis.
Lamb
One who can be duped or cheated especially in financial matters.
Sheep
The domestic Ovies aries, the most well known species of Ovis.
Lamb
Lamb(Christianity) Jesus.
Sheep
(countable) A timid, shy person who is easily led by others.
Lamb
To give birth to a young sheep.
Sheep
A religious adherent, a member of a congregation or religious community (compare flock).
Lamb
A young sheep.
Sheep
(uncountable) Sheepskin leather.
Lamb
The flesh of a lamb or sheep used as food.
Sheep
A person who is easily understood by a speech recognition system; contrasted with goat.
Lamb
(figuratively) A person who is meek, docile and easily led.
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.
Lamb
A simple, unsophisticated person.
Sheep
A weak, bashful, silly fellow.
Lamb
One who ignorantly speculates on the stock exchange and is victimized.
Sheep
Fig.: The people of God, as being under the government and protection of Christ, the great Shepherd.
Lamb
(slang) A fan of American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer Mariah Carey (born 1969).
Sheep
Woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
Lamb
(intransitive) Of a sheep, to give birth.
Sheep
A timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon
Lamb
To assist (sheep) to give birth.
The shepherd was up all night, lambing her young ewes.
Sheep
A docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision;
His students followed him like sheep
Lamb
The young of the sheep.
Sheep
Symbolize qualities like gentleness and docility.
In literature, sheep are often used as symbols of innocence.
Lamb
Any person who is as innocent or gentle as a lamb.
Sheep
Important livestock in many rural economies.
The local economy relies on the sale of sheep and their products.
Lamb
A simple, unsophisticated person; in the cant of the Stock Exchange, one who ignorantly speculates and is victimized.
The twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Lamb
To bring forth a lamb or lambs, as sheep.
Lamb
Young sheep
Lamb
English essayist (1775-1834)
Lamb
A person easily deceived or cheated (especially in financial matters)
Lamb
A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
Lamb
The flesh of a young domestic sheep eaten as food
Lamb
Give birth to a lamb;
The ewe lambed
Lamb
A term used for tender sheep meat in culinary contexts.
Grilled lamb chops are a gourmet delight.
Lamb
A symbol of spring and renewal in many cultures.
The sight of newborn lambs grazing in the field is a sign of the changing season.
Common Curiosities
Are lambs always raised for meat?
While lambs are often raised for their meat, some may be kept for wool or breeding.
Is a lamb a separate species from a sheep?
No, a lamb is a young sheep, not a distinct species.
What is the age limit for an animal to be considered a lamb?
Typically, lambs are under one year old, with their age determined by their teeth.
Can a sheep be both a source of wool and meat?
Yes, many sheep breeds are raised for both wool and meat production.
What is the main use of sheep's milk?
Sheep's milk is used to produce various dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, and butter.
Why are sheep often associated with shepherds?
Shepherds historically tended to and protected flocks of sheep, making this association common in pastoral traditions.
Are lambs commonly associated with certain seasons or holidays?
Yes, lambs are often associated with spring and are symbolically linked to religious holidays like Easter.
What's the average lifespan of a sheep compared to a lamb?
A sheep can live for several years, while a lamb is typically slaughtered for meat before it reaches one year of age.
What is mutton, and how is it different from lamb?
Mutton refers to the meat of older sheep, typically over one year old, and it is known for its stronger flavor.
Are sheep and lambs kept primarily for their wool or meat?
It depends on the breed and the purpose of the flock. Some are raised primarily for wool, while others are raised for meat.
Is lamb a popular meat choice in specific cuisines or dishes?
Lamb is featured prominently in various cuisines, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian, in dishes like lamb kebabs, gyros, and curries.
Do sheep have any cultural or symbolic significance?
Yes, sheep have cultural and symbolic significance in various societies, often representing qualities like gentleness and abundance.
How does lamb meat differ from sheep meat in taste and tenderness?
Lamb meat is generally milder and more tender compared to the stronger flavor of mutton, which is meat from older sheep.
Are there specific lamb breeds known for their meat quality?
Yes, breeds like the Suffolk and Hampshire are renowned for their quality lamb meat.
Are there any environmental benefits to sheep farming?
Sheep play a role in sustainable agriculture by helping to control vegetation and maintain ecosystems through grazing.
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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.
