Ovella

Ovella is a Catalan noun meaning “sheep,” referring to the common domestic sheep in Catalan-speaking regions. It is used in farming, animal husbandry, and rural life, and appears in literature and media that depict pastoral settings. The singular form is ovella and the plural is ovelles. In everyday usage, ovella can denote either the animal in general or a specific individual sheep, depending on context. The term is especially common in rural communities, farms, and markets where sheep are kept or traded.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin ovis meaning “sheep” and evolved through Vulgar Latin into the Romance languages, with Catalan developing the form ovella. It is cognate with related terms in other Romance languages, though each language has its own distinct spelling and pronunciation.

Other uses: Ovella also occurs as a surname in Catalan-speaking areas. It is occasionally found as a toponym or farm name, reflecting historical associations with sheep rearing.

See also: Sheep in Catalan culture; Romance-language terms for livestock.