Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

sheaf

Syllabification: (sheaf)
Pronunciation: /SHēf/
Translate sheaf | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of sheaf

noun (plural sheaves /SHēvz/)

  • a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping.
  • a bundle of objects of one kind, especially papers:he waved a sheaf of papers in the air

verb

[with object]
  • bundle into sheaves.

Origin:

Old English scēaf, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schoof 'sheaf' and German Schaub 'wisp of straw', also to the verb shove

Change the -f to -ves to make the plurals of nouns that end in a consonant or a single vowel plus -f or -fe: (sheaves).

sheaf in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of sheaf in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …