ovine

[ oh-vahyn, oh-vin ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or like sheep.

ovine

/ ˈəʊvaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a sheep

ovine

/ ō′vīn′ /

1. Relating to or characteristic of sheep.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovine¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Late Latin ovīnus, equivalent to Latin ov(is) “sheep” + -īnus -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovine¹

C19: from Late Latin ovīnus, from Latin ovis sheep

Example Sentences

Perhaps the two bighorn sheep were fighting over territory or food, or maybe there was some ovine slight imperceptible to human eyes.

From Salon

The 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer was photographed in the eye-catching ovine garment at a polo match in June 1981, soon after her engagement to Prince Charles, who was then heir to the British throne.

From Seattle Times

The ovine spectacle will return when the sheep are brought back down again in the fall.

From Seattle Times

Furthermore, his wordless ovine antics allow him to tickle fans across borders and languages without dubbing or subtitling his enthusiastic baas.

From Los Angeles Times

The hirsute ovine was found near Lancefield in Victoria, and rescuers said he had “eked out an existence” eating small shoots of grass.

From The Guardian