English Reference
noun · verb

shepherd

n. · v.
US /ˈʃɛpɝd/ UK /ʃˈɛpəd/ shep·herd UK spelling shepherd's, shepherd's, shepherded

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a person whose job is to take care of sheep while they are outside in a field.

    n.a person who tends, herds, or guards sheep, especially in a grazing flock.

    Simple

    The shepherd stayed with his flock all night to protect them from wolves.

    In context

    High in the mountains, the shepherd moved the flock to fresh pastures as the summer heat dried out the lower valleys.

    herderherdsman
  2. 02 C1 Advanced LiteraryFormal Religion

    n.someone who looks after or guides a group of people, like a leader in a church.

    n.a person who protects, guides, or watches over a group, often used in a religious or metaphorical context.

    Simple

    The local priest was seen as a kind shepherd to his community.

    In context

    The community looked to the elder as a spiritual shepherd who could offer wisdom during times of social upheaval.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a common short name for a German Shepherd dog.

    n.a colloquial shortening for the German Shepherd dog breed.

    Simple

    They adopted a young shepherd from the animal shelter last week.

    In context

    The police department prefers using a shepherd for search and rescue operations due to the breed's high intelligence and stamina.

    german shepherdalsatian
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to lead or guide a group of people somewhere, often to make sure they stay together.

    v.to escort or guide a group of people in a specific direction, often to ensure their safety or orderly movement.

    Simple

    The teachers helped shepherd the students through the busy museum.

    In context

    Security guards were hired to shepherd the VIP guests through the crowd and into the private lounge.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

In the U.S., shepherds on the open range often live similar lives .

Phys.org· 25 Aug 2026

He plays Jamie, a personal assistant arriving in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to shepherd the spiky and recently widowed Diane ( Allison Janney) through the initial weeks after her husband’s death from Parkinson’s.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated