shepherdess

[ shep-er-dis ]

noun

1. a girl or woman who herds sheep.
2. a rural girl.

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shepherdess¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, shepherdess is from the Middle English word shepherdesse. See shepherd, -ess

Example Sentences

Her mother was a shepherdess, although her failing health meant she couldn't go to the pastures this year.

From BBC

The Thomas Hudson artwork, believed to show Lady Elizabeth Yorke as a shepherdess, had been on loan to Wimpole for several decades.

From BBC

Channel 5 controller Ben Frow recently said Our Yorkshire Farm, which follows North Yorkshire shepherdess Amanda Owen and her family, was the broadcaster's most successful factual programme ever.

From BBC

Hidden inside, they found a stack of artworks, including a painting by Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro, showing a shepherdess bathed in warm light greeting her flock.

From BBC

Baker plays Alwina, a shepherdess who is taken up as a muse by a writer seeking inspiration.

From Salon

Related Words

• herder
• herdsman