A shepherd is someone who takes care of sheep, watching over them as they graze in fields and keeping them safe from danger. For thousands of years, shepherds have guided their flocks to good pasture, protected them from predators, and made sure no sheep wanders off and gets lost.

Being a shepherd requires patience and attentiveness. Sheep can easily wander into trouble if left alone, so a good shepherd stays alert, counts the flock regularly, and knows each animal. In many parts of the world, shepherds still work much as they did in ancient times, often using trained dogs to help manage the flock.

The word also means to guide or watch over someone carefully. A teacher might shepherd her students through a difficult lesson, making sure no one falls behind. A camp counselor might shepherd a group of kids on a hiking trail. When you shepherd something, you're taking responsibility for its safety and success, just like a shepherd with sheep.

In many religious traditions, the image of a shepherd caring for a flock symbolizes how leaders should care for the people they serve.