# shepherd

/ˈʃɛpɝd/ (US) · /ʃˈɛpəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shepherd
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. sheep herder

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a person who tends, herds, or guards sheep, especially in a grazing flock.

- The shepherd stayed with his flock all night to protect them from wolves.
- High in the mountains, the shepherd moved the flock to fresh pastures as the summer heat dried out the lower valleys.

### 2. a guide or leader

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

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

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

- The local priest was seen as a kind shepherd to his community.
- The community looked to the elder as a spiritual shepherd who could offer wisdom during times of social upheaval.

### 3. dog breed

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a common short name for a German Shepherd dog.

For teachers: a colloquial shortening for the German Shepherd dog breed.

- They adopted a young shepherd from the animal shelter last week.
- The police department prefers using a shepherd for search and rescue operations due to the breed's high intelligence and stamina.

### 4. to guide or lead

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The teachers helped shepherd the students through the busy museum.
- 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.

## Examples

- The shepherd leads the sheep to the green field.
- High in the mountains, the shepherd stayed with his flock throughout the cold night to protect them from wolves.
- The poet uses the image of a lonely shepherd to represent the peace and isolation found in the rural landscape far from the city.

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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.