sheep race: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, occasionally journalistic or humorous.
Quick answer
What does “sheep race” mean?
A literal race or competition in which sheep are run, often as a novelty or traditional event at a fair or agricultural show.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A literal race or competition in which sheep are run, often as a novelty or traditional event at a fair or agricultural show.
A metaphorical term for any situation characterized by blind conformity, uncritical following of others, or a chaotic and unthinking rush, analogous to the behavior of a flock of sheep.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal event is more associated with rural British, Irish, Australian, or New Zealand agricultural shows. The metaphorical usage is understood in both varieties but is not common.
Connotations
In UK/Irish contexts, the literal event connotes rustic tradition and light-hearted community fun. The metaphorical use universally connotes mindless conformity or chaotic, unproductive group action.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but slightly higher in British English due to the cultural association with country shows.
Grammar
How to Use “sheep race” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a sheep race (organize, host, watch, win)the sheep race + [Verb] (began, ended, was hilarious)[Preposition] + the sheep race (at, during, for)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sheep race” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to sheep-race at the fête this year.
- They sheep-raced for charity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to criticise a market or industry where companies are blindly copying each other's strategies without innovation.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in sociology or behavioural economics texts describing herd mentality or crowd behaviour.
Everyday
Almost exclusively literal, used when discussing plans for or experiences at a local fair or festival.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sheep race”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sheep race”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sheep race”
- Using it in formal writing. Confusing it with 'rat race' (a fiercely competitive struggle for success). Spelling as one word: 'sheeprace'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a real, though novelty, event at some agricultural shows and country fairs, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth nations, where sheep are encouraged to run a short course.
A 'rat race' implies a stressful, competitive struggle for success in work or life. A 'sheep race' implies mindless following, lack of individuality, and often chaotic, unproductive group behaviour.
Very rarely and only in informal, creative contexts (e.g., 'to sheep-race'). It is not standard usage. The term is almost exclusively a noun.
No, it is a low-frequency phrase. Its literal use is culturally specific, and its metaphorical use is sporadic and stylistic.
A literal race or competition in which sheep are run, often as a novelty or traditional event at a fair or agricultural show.
Sheep race is usually informal, occasionally journalistic or humorous. in register.
Sheep race: in British English it is pronounced /ʃiːp reɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃiːp reɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a complete sheep race.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine SHEEP in a RACE, all bunched together and following the one in front without a plan. This visual captures both the literal and metaphorical meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE SHEEP / A NON-PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY IS A ANIMAL RACE
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'sheep race' most likely be used LITERALLY?