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

As the eldest shepherdess, Annar kisses the door of one of the ranches, says a prayer and steps inside carrying a hotplate with burning leaves.

From BBC

Even after Mr. Cheney left the vice presidency, the gentlemanly former Senator Michael Enzi was still leading Wyoming’s delegation, said Cat Urbigkit, an author and self-described sheep “shepherdess” near Pinedale.

From New York Times

Or “Shepherdess,” a folk-horror retelling of the Bo Peep story?

From New York Times

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

From BBC

Related Words

• herder
• herdsman