agnus
[ˈaŋ.nʊs]masculine
The English word 'lamb' is translated into Latin as agnus. If unsure, use agnus. Wiktionary also lists agnellus.
Meaning: young sheep (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| agnus | [ˈaŋ.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaɲ.ɲus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| agnellus | [aŋˈnɛl.lʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [aɲˈɲɛl.lus] (narrow) |
masculine |
The term refers to a young sheep.
Which one should you use?
While agnus refers generally to a lamb or young sheep, agnellus is the diminutive form. This version is often used to imply a 'little lamb' or to convey a sense of smallness or endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural forms of agnus are agnī for the nominative case and agnōs for the accusative case. Both agnus and agnellus are masculine nouns.
When do people say it?
In Christian liturgical contexts, the phrase Agnus Dei is used to refer to Jesus Christ as the 'Lamb of God'.
Did you know?
- The Latin word agnus shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'yean' meaning to give birth to a lamb.
- While agnus is the standard term, Roman poets often used the diminutive agnellus not just for size but to evoke a specific emotional response of tenderness.
Examples in context
- Agnus balat 'b a a a'.The lamb bleats 'baa'.This sentence is useful for illustrating the sound of a lamb using the form agnus.Tatoeba #7133640 by jimkillock, translation #7133641 by jimkillock
- Agnus a lupo interfectus est.The lamb was killed by the wolf.This sentence shows the form agnus in a passive construction.Tatoeba #9705728 by soridsolid, translation #246104 by adjusting
- Ecce agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccatum mundi.Look, the Lamb of God, look at him who carries the sin of the world.This sentence demonstrates the use of agnus in the liturgical phrase 'Lamb of God'.Tatoeba #11211125 by carlosalberto, translation #11314668 by Cuc
- Edere agnum assatumTo eat roasted lamb
- Quam pulchre salit agnellusHow beautifully the little lamb jumps
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius are standing in a pasture near a small farm.
- LuciaEcce agnus in herba est.Look, the lamb is in the grass.
- GaiusIta, agnus parvus et albus est.Yes, the lamb is small and white.
- LuciaNum agnus timet lupum?Is the lamb afraid of the wolf?
- GaiusNon, agnus securus est.No, the lamb is safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb” translations and entries agnus, agnellus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agnellus, agnus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
