sheepfold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low frequency, specialised term)Literary, poetic, biblical, archaic, or technical (agricultural). Not common in everyday conversation.
Quick answer
What does “sheepfold” mean?
A small enclosure, typically made of stone or wood, for keeping sheep securely, especially at night.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small enclosure, typically made of stone or wood, for keeping sheep securely, especially at night.
A place of protection, congregation, or sometimes symbolic simplicity and rustic life; used metaphorically to describe a church, a community, or a state of innocence or uniformity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both varieties. 'Fold' as a noun in this sense is more familiar in UK English due to the King James Bible's influence, but 'sheep pen' or 'corral' are more common in modern American agricultural contexts.
Connotations
In both, it has a rustic, traditional, or historical feel. In UK English, it may be slightly more recognised due to rural and literary heritage.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but might appear marginally more in UK writing due to a stronger tradition of pastoral poetry and maintained historical references.
Grammar
How to Use “sheepfold” in a Sentence
[The shepherd] led the flock into the sheepfold.They built a [stone] sheepfold [on the hill].The sheep were kept safe in the sheepfold [at night].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sheepfold” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer needed to sheepfold the flock before the storm. (Extremely rare/archaic, not standard).
American English
- (No standard verb use exists).
adjective
British English
- The sheepfold gate was broken. (Noun used attributively).
- They studied sheepfold management. (Compound adjective).
American English
- We looked at sheepfold construction. (Noun used attributively).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism (pastoral poetry), biblical studies, historical/agricultural archaeology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in specific agricultural or historical contexts describing farm infrastructure.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sheepfold”
- Using 'sheepfold' for a large, modern barn (it's a specific, often simple enclosure).
- Confusing it with 'shepherd's hut' (which is for the shepherd).
- Using it in modern, non-specialised contexts where 'sheep pen' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. In modern farming contexts, 'sheep pen' is more common. 'Sheepfold' is often reserved for literary, historical, or biblical language.
A sheepfold is an outdoor enclosure, usually with walls but often open to the sky, specifically for holding sheep. A barn is a large, roofed building used for storing farm equipment, hay, or housing various animals.
Yes, especially in literary, biblical, or archaic contexts (e.g., 'the fold' meaning the Christian church, or 'return to the fold'). In modern agricultural talk, 'pen' is clearer.
No, there is no standard verb derived from 'sheepfold'. One would say 'pen the sheep', 'corral the sheep', or 'put the sheep in the fold'.
A small enclosure, typically made of stone or wood, for keeping sheep securely, especially at night.
Sheepfold is usually literary, poetic, biblical, archaic, or technical (agricultural). not common in everyday conversation. in register.
Sheepfold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃiːpfəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃiːpfoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The lost sheep returns to the fold. (Metaphorical extension using 'fold' for community/church)”
- “One fold and one shepherd. (Biblical, John 10:16, meaning unity under one leader/faith)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine SHEEP being FOLDed into a secure pen, like folding a letter to keep it safe.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY/COMMUNITY IS A SHEEPFOLD (e.g., 'returning to the fold' for rejoining a group). SAFETY IS ENCLOSURE.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'sheepfold' LEAST likely to be used?