Meaning
sheepfold, sheep pen
- an enclosed shelter or pen for sheep
- figuratively, home, family, or one's original community
In a sentence
Al tramonto il pastore ha ricondotto il gregge sano e salvo all'ovile.
At sunset the shepherd brought the flock back safe and sound to the sheepfold.
Dopo anni all'estero, ha deciso di tornare all'ovile e lavorare nell'azienda di famiglia.
After years abroad, he decided to return to the fold and work in the family business.
L'antico ovile in pietra sulle colline è stato completamente restaurato.
The ancient stone sheepfold on the hills was completely restored.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| ovile | masculine · singular |
| ovili | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Commonly used in the idiom 'tornare all'ovile', meaning to return home or back to the fold.
- Follows the regular masculine pattern ending in -e, plural in -i.