noun
sheepdog
noun
1
A dog trained to herd or guard sheep.
"The sheepdog rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer."
2
Informally, someone who watches over and protects a group of people.
"The tour guide acted as sheepdog, keeping the group together through the crowded market."
How to Use Sheepdog
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dog bred or trained to herd sheep; also used loosely for anyone who shepherds a group of people.
Common pairings
a border collie sheepdog
sheepdog trial
Word Forms
sheepdogged past tense, sheepdogs plural, sheepdogs singular
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The _____ rounded up the flock with a single whistle from the farmer.
Etymology
From "sheep" plus "dog."