sheep-shearer
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who shears sheep: "sheep-shearer" refers to a person whose occupation is to cut or trim the wool from sheep.
- A tool for shearing sheep: "sheep-shearer" can also mean a tool or machine used for removing wool from sheep, such as electric clippers or hand shears.
Usage Examples
Person:
- The sheep-shearer worked quickly to remove the heavy fleece from each animal. (A person skilled in cutting wool from sheep.)
- Every spring, the farm hires a professional sheep-shearer to prepare the flock for warmer weather. (An occupational worker specializing in shearing.)
Tool:
- The farmer bought a new electric sheep-shearer to speed up the process. (A machine designed for shearing wool.)
- Traditional hand sheep-shearers are still used by some shepherds in remote areas. (A manual tool for cutting wool.)
Advanced Usage
"a skilled sheep-shearer": a person highly experienced in shearing techniques.
- A skilled sheep-shearer can shear a single sheep in under two minutes. (An expert can perform the task very efficiently.)
"sheep-shearer's shears": the specific cutting tool used by a sheep-shearer.
- The sheep-shearer's shears were sharpened daily to ensure a clean cut. (The specialized scissors or clippers.)
Variants and Related Words
Sheep-shearing (n): the act or process of cutting wool from sheep.
- Sheep-shearing is a seasonal activity on many farms. (The event of removing wool.)
Sheep-shearer's (adj): relating to a sheep-shearer.
- The sheep-shearer's workshop was full of wool and tools. (Belonging to or associated with a sheep-shearer.)
Synonyms
- Wool clipper: a person or tool that clips wool from sheep.
- Fleece cutter: a person or device that cuts the fleece (wool) from sheep.
Related Idioms
- Like a sheep-shearer at a fair: used to describe someone who works very quickly and efficiently in a busy environment.
- He moved through the crowd like a sheep-shearer at a fair, finishing each task in record time. (Acting with rapid, practiced skill.)