# black sheep

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/black-sheep
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A nonconformist; an unusual or unconventional person, who may be rejected or disdained by others for this reason.

## Examples

- He's the black sheep of his family.
- She became the black sheep when she refused to join the family business.
- In a dynasty of celebrated surgeons, the youngest son remained the black sheep, choosing instead to paint portraits of strangers in foreign cities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.