sheepish

[ shee-pish ]

adjective

1. embarrassed or bashful, as by having done something wrong or foolish.
2. like sheep, as in meekness, docility, etc.

sheepish

/ ˈʃiːpɪʃ /

adjective

1. abashed or embarrassed, esp through looking foolish or being in the wrong
2. resembling a sheep in timidity or lack of initiative

Derived Forms

• ˈsheepishness, noun
• ˈsheepishly, adverb

Other Words From

• sheep·ish·ly adverb
• sheep·ish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheepish¹

First recorded in 1150–1200, sheepish is from the Middle English word shepisshe; sheep, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

As sheepish as Banda felt about the incident, he wanted to make an important clarification.

From Los Angeles Times

Seven years later, though, Dubois has transformed from a sheepish, sometimes voiceless, character to a fighter demanding respect.

From BBC

"So I went and I said: 'Hello, I’d like my notes back, please,' and they were a bit sheepish about it," he said.

From BBC

Brenda began as a sheepish character, but she was determined to fit in the moment she set foot in West Beverly High.

From Los Angeles Times

The wolf managed to look a bit sheepish, which must have been difficult for him.

From Literature

Related Words

• diffident
• foolish
• self-conscious
• timid
• uncomfortable