noun
shadowing
SHA-doh-ihng
noun
1
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."
2
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."
3
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 notesIn 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.