Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, wild sheep with white fur, native to northwestern Canada and Alaska: This is the primary zoological definition, referring to a specific subspecies of wild sheep, also known as the Dall sheep or thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). Its most distinguishing feature is its all-white coat.
   • A person regarded as good or respectable in contrast to other members of a group, especially a family: This is a common figurative and idiomatic usage. It describes an individual who is considered virtuous, successful, or conventional compared to other members who are seen as disreputable, problematic, or unconventional.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Zoological):

  • We spotted a herd of white sheep on the mountain slopes.
  • The white sheep is well-adapted to its alpine habitat.

• Noun (Figurative/Idiomatic):

  • In a family of rebels, she was always considered the white sheep.
  • Among his troublemaking friends, John was the white sheep who stayed out of trouble.

Advanced Usage

• "the white sheep of the family": This is the most common idiomatic structure, directly contrasting with the more famous idiom "the black sheep of the family." It emphasizes the individual's role as the exception to a perceived norm of bad behavior.
  • While his brothers were in and out of jail, Michael was the white sheep of the family, becoming a respected doctor.

Variants and Related Words

• Black sheep (n): The much more common counterpart idiom, meaning a person who is considered a disgrace or failure by their family or group.

  • His criminal record made him the black sheep of the family.

• Dall sheep (n): The specific zoological name for the white sheep of northwestern North America.

• Thinhorn sheep (n): Another name for the same species ().

Synonyms

• The good one (idiomatic): A simple phrase for the figurative meaning.
• The respectable one (idiomatic): Highlights the aspect of social standing.
• Dall sheep (zoological): The precise synonym for the animal.

Related Idioms

• The black sheep of the family: An idiom for a person who brings shame or is considered the odd one out in a family or group. This is the direct and far more frequent antonym of the figurative use of "white sheep."
  • He was the black sheep, never fitting in with his academic family.

Noun

1. large white wild sheep of northwestern Canada and Alaska