Lamb vs. Sheep: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 30, 2023
A lamb is a young sheep, typically less than one year old, while a sheep is a wool-bearing ungulate of any age.
Key Differences
When referencing the domesticated species that provides wool, meat, and other resources, we use the term "sheep." Sheep have been integral to human societies for thousands of years, given their multipurpose utility. They offer wool for clothing, meat for sustenance, and even their skin for various products. A lamb, however, specifically refers to the young of this species, usually under one year old.
Lambs have a special place in various cultures and religions due to their symbolic representation of purity and innocence. Sheep, being adults, don't often carry the same connotations. The tenderness of lamb meat is a favorite in many cuisines, contrasting the tougher mutton from adult sheep.
In wool production, sheep play a direct role. Sheep are typically sheared annually, providing raw wool that can be processed into textiles. Lambs, being younger, have softer, finer wool known as lamb's wool. This wool is often sought after for certain delicate or luxurious textile products.
Farming practices often distinguish between lambs and sheep for breeding and meat production purposes. Lambs, especially when very young, are more vulnerable to predators and require special care. Sheep, being mature, are often hardier and can graze in varied terrains.
Comparison Chart
Age
Typically under one year old
Any age
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Wool Type
Softer, finer (lamb's wool)
Coarser, bulkier
Meat Name
Lamb meat
Mutton
Symbolism
Often represents purity and innocence
General representation of the species
Role in Farming
More vulnerable, requires special care
Hardier, primary wool producers
Lamb and Sheep Definitions
Lamb
Produces soft, fine wool.
The sweater, made of lamb's wool, was incredibly soft.
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Sheep
Can be male or female.
That sheep might be a ram or a ewe.
Lamb
Less than one year old.
The six-month-old lamb stayed close to its mother.
Sheep
A wool-bearing ungulate.
The farmer sheared the sheep in early spring.
Lamb
A young sheep, especially one that is not yet weaned.
Sheep
Provides wool, meat, and more.
From the sheep, we get warm woolen garments.
Lamb
The flesh of a young sheep used as meat.
Sheep
Part of the Ovis genus.
The sheep grazed peacefully, unaware of its rich biological history.
Lamb
Lambskin.
Sheep
A domesticated ruminant mammal (Ovis aries) having a thick coat, raised in many breeds for its wool, edible flesh, or hide.
Lamb
A sweet, mild-mannered person; a dear.
Sheep
Any of various wild ruminant mammals related to and resembling the domestic sheep, such as the aoudad, bighorn sheep, and mouflon.
Lamb
One who can be duped or cheated especially in financial matters.
Sheep
Leather made from the skin of one of these animals.
Lamb
Lamb(Christianity) Jesus.
Sheep
A person regarded as timid, weak, or submissive.
Lamb
To give birth to a young sheep.
Sheep
One who is easily swayed or led.
Lamb
A young sheep.
Sheep
(countable) A woolly ruminant of the genus Ovis.
Lamb
The flesh of a lamb or sheep used as food.
Sheep
The domestic Ovies aries, the most well known species of Ovis.
Lamb
(figuratively) A person who is meek, docile and easily led.
Sheep
(countable) A timid, shy person who is easily led by others.
Lamb
A simple, unsophisticated person.
Sheep
A religious adherent, a member of a congregation or religious community (compare flock).
Lamb
One who ignorantly speculates on the stock exchange and is victimized.
Sheep
(uncountable) Sheepskin leather.
Lamb
(slang) A fan of American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer Mariah Carey (born 1969).
Sheep
A person who is easily understood by a speech recognition system; contrasted with goat.
Lamb
(intransitive) Of a sheep, to give birth.
Sheep
Any one of several species of ruminants of the genus Ovis, native of the higher mountains of both hemispheres, but most numerous in Asia.
Lamb
To assist (sheep) to give birth.
The shepherd was up all night, lambing her young ewes.
Sheep
A weak, bashful, silly fellow.
Lamb
The young of the sheep.
Sheep
Fig.: The people of God, as being under the government and protection of Christ, the great Shepherd.
Lamb
Any person who is as innocent or gentle as a lamb.
Sheep
Woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
Lamb
A simple, unsophisticated person; in the cant of the Stock Exchange, one who ignorantly speculates and is victimized.
The twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Sheep
A timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon
Lamb
To bring forth a lamb or lambs, as sheep.
Sheep
A docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision;
His students followed him like sheep
Lamb
Young sheep
Sheep
Domesticated for thousands of years.
Ancient civilizations relied heavily on sheep for various resources.
Lamb
English essayist (1775-1834)
Lamb
A person easily deceived or cheated (especially in financial matters)
Lamb
A sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)
Lamb
The flesh of a young domestic sheep eaten as food
Lamb
Give birth to a lamb;
The ewe lambed
Lamb
Known for tender meat.
She ordered lamb chops for dinner.
Lamb
Represents purity in symbolism.
The lamb often symbolizes innocence in literature.
FAQs
Which meat is softer, lamb or mutton?
Lamb meat is generally softer than mutton, which comes from adult sheep.
Do both lambs and adult sheep produce wool?
Yes, but lamb's wool is finer and softer than adult sheep's wool.
Is every lamb a sheep?
Yes, every lamb is a young sheep.
Can the term "sheep" refer to both adults and young?
Yes, "sheep" can refer to the animal regardless of age, while "lamb" specifies youth.
Why might someone specify "lamb" instead of "sheep" when ordering at a restaurant?
Specifying "lamb" denotes they want meat from a younger sheep, which is tender.
Can "sheep" refer to both male and female animals?
Yes, "sheep" is a general term that doesn't specify gender.
What's the primary difference between a lamb and a sheep?
Age. A lamb is young, typically under a year old, while a sheep can be of any age.
Is lamb's wool a different type of wool?
It comes from lambs and is finer and softer than wool from mature sheep.
Is "lamb" ever used symbolically?
Yes, lambs often symbolize innocence and purity in various cultures and religions.
Which provides more wool, lamb or sheep?
Adult sheep typically provide more wool when sheared than lambs.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
