ewe
UK: juː | US: juː
n. a female sheep
The word "ewe" traces back to Old English ēowu, derived from Proto-Germanic *awi- (source also of Old Norse ær, Dutch ooi), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European h₂ówis ("sheep"). Unlike many livestock terms, "ewe" has remained structurally compact over millennia, retaining its monosyllabic form without prefix/suffix alterations. Its distinctiveness from "ram" (male sheep) reflects early pastoral societies' need for precise gender-specific animal terminology.
The farmer separated the ewe from the flock for shearing.
A healthy ewe can produce twins every lambing season.
The dog herded the ewe and her lambs into the pen.
Ewes typically graze closer to their offspring than rams do.
Ancient Mesopotamian art often depicted ewes as symbols of fertility.