noun

shadowing

SHA-doh-ihng

Shadowing (noun) means the act of secretly following and watching someone, keeping them under close observation. Example: “The detective spent three days shadowing the suspect before making an arrest.”

noun

The act of secretly following and watching someone, keeping them under close observation.

"The detective spent three days shadowing the suspect before making an arrest."

"She noticed a stranger shadowing her on the walk home."

A period of following a professional through their working day to learn about a job first-hand.

"The student spent a week shadowing a surgeon as part of her career research."

The effect of one thing blocking or dimming another, such as light or a signal.

"Tall buildings can cause shadowing that weakens mobile phone reception."

How to use shadowing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishClosely following or observing someone or something, whether for surveillance or to learn from them.

Common pairings

job shadowing shadowing a suspect signal shadowing

Word forms

shadowings plural

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The detective spent three days _____ the suspect before making an arrest.

Etymology

From "shadow" used as a verb, plus the "-ing" ending that turns actions into nouns.

Synonyms

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tailing

Related words

stalking tailing

Rhymes for shadowing

owing rowing towing bowing sowing lowing mowing growing knowing flowing plowing showing

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Frequently asked questions

What does “shadowing” mean?

The word “shadowing” means the act of secretly following and watching someone, keeping them under close observation. In plain terms, closely following or observing someone or something, whether for surveillance or to learn from them.

How do you pronounce “shadowing”?

“Shadowing” is pronounced SHA-doh-ihng (/ʃædoʊɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “shadowing” in a sentence?

Here is “shadowing” used in a sentence: “The detective spent three days shadowing the suspect before making an arrest.”

What part of speech is “shadowing”?

“Shadowing” is a noun.

How many meanings does “shadowing” have?

“Shadowing” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of secretly following and watching someone, keeping them under close observation.

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