noun
Shakespeare
SHAYKS-peer
noun
1
Used to refer to William Shakespeare, the English playwright and poet, or his body of work.
"They performed a scene from Shakespeare at the school festival."
2
Eloquent or highly poetic language, used loosely by comparison.
"His wedding speech was hardly Shakespeare, but it was heartfelt."
How to Use Shakespeare
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRefers to the famous English playwright, or, informally, to very eloquent writing.
Word Forms
Shakespeared past tense, Shakespeares plural, Shakespeares plural, Shakespeares singular
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Etymology
A Middle English surname meaning "spearman", from "shake" (to brandish) plus "spear".