sheep-shearing
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of cutting wool from sheep: "sheep-shearing" refers to the process of removing the fleece (wool) from a sheep, typically done annually for wool production.
- A festive event or gathering: "sheep-shearing" can also denote a social occasion where shearing takes place, often involving communal work, food, and celebration, especially in rural or farming communities.
Usage Examples
The act of cutting wool:
- Sheep-shearing is a skilled job that requires practice. (The process of removing wool from sheep demands expertise.)
- Modern sheep-shearing uses electric clippers to speed up the work. (The act of shearing is now performed with power tools.)
A festive event:
- The annual sheep-shearing attracted farmers from all over the valley. (The gathering for shearing brought together many people.)
- At the sheep-shearing, there was music and food after the work was done. (The social event included entertainment and refreshments.)
Advanced Usage
- "sheep-shearing season": the specific time of year when sheep are sheared, usually in spring or early summer.
- The sheep-shearing season begins when the weather warms up. (The period for shearing starts with warmer temperatures.)
Variants and Related Words
- Sheep-shearer (noun): a person who professionally cuts wool from sheep.
- The sheep-shearer worked quickly to finish the flock before noon. (The worker who shears sheep was efficient.)
- Sheep-shearing shed (noun): a building where sheep are sheared.
- They cleaned the sheep-shearing shed after the last sheep was done. (The structure used for shearing was tidied.)
Synonyms
- Shearing: the act of cutting wool or hair from animals.
- Fleece removal: the process of taking off a sheep's wool coat.
Related Idioms
- "To make a sheep-shearing of it": an archaic phrase meaning to turn a task into a social event or celebration.
- They made a sheep-shearing of the harvest, inviting neighbours to help and feast. (They turned the work into a festive gathering.)