Sheaf/ʃiːf/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Quantity Matters Use 'sheaf' to describe several items bound together, not just a couple. Not just two or three reports, but a whole sheaf of them covered his desk. Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage 'Sheaf' can be used metaphorically to talk about collections of non-physical items. He presented a sheaf of ideas during the meeting. Pro Tip 3/3Keep it Tidy A 'sheaf' implies a neat, organized stack of items, not loose or scattered. She handed in a neat sheaf of notes before leaving the library.