lamb
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a young sheep, usually less than one year old.
n.a juvenile sheep, typically under twelve months of age.
Simple“The small white lamb followed its mother across the green field.”
In context“During the spring months, the hillside was dotted with ewes and their newborn lambs grazing on the fresh grass.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.the meat from a young sheep used as food.
n.the flesh of a young sheep used as a culinary ingredient.
Simple“We are having roast lamb with potatoes for Sunday dinner.”
In context“The chef recommended the rack of lamb, served with a delicate mint sauce and seasonal root vegetables.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who is very kind, gentle, or innocent.
n.a person characterised by meekness, innocence, or a gentle disposition.
Simple“She is such a lamb; she never says a mean word about anyone.”
In context“Despite the harsh criticism from his peers, he remained a lamb, refusing to engage in any form of retaliation.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a dedicated fan of the singer Mariah Carey.
n.a term of self-identification for a devoted admirer of the American singer Mariah Carey.
Simple“As a lifelong lamb, she has every one of Mariah's albums on vinyl.”
In context“The concert venue was packed with lambs wearing butterfly-themed accessories to show their support for the pop icon.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.an inexperienced person who loses money on the stock market.
n.an inexperienced or naive investor who is easily exploited or victimised in financial markets.
Simple“The professional traders quickly took advantage of the lambs in the market.”
In context“Market veterans often wait for the influx of lambs during a bubble to liquidate their positions at inflated prices.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
v.when a sheep gives birth to a baby lamb.
v.to give birth to a lamb; also used transitively to describe assisting a sheep during the birthing process.
Simple“The farmer stayed up all night to help the sheep lamb safely.”
In context“The flock began to lamb in early March, requiring the shepherds to work around the clock in the birthing sheds.”
1. From Middle English lamb as a nickname. 2. From a short form of Lambert. 3. Reduced Anglicized form of Irish Ó Luain. 4. Possibly also a translation of French agneau.
See Lamb of God. See also lamb.
See lamb.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.