shambles
Shambles (noun) means a scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos. Example: “The kitchen was a shambles after the party.”
How to use shambles
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA complete mess or state of chaos.
Almost always used with "a" or "in", as in "it's a shambles" or "in shambles".
Word forms
shambles plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kitchen was a _____ after the party.
Etymology
From Old English sceamol ("bench, stool"), which came to mean a butcher's bench, then a slaughterhouse, then a scene of disorder or carnage.
Frequently asked questions
What does “shambles” mean?
The word “shambles” means a scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos. In plain terms, a complete mess or state of chaos.
How do you pronounce “shambles”?
“Shambles” is pronounced SHAM-buhlz (/ˈʃæmbəlz/ in IPA).
How do you use “shambles” in a sentence?
Here is “shambles” used in a sentence: “The kitchen was a shambles after the party.”
What part of speech is “shambles”?
“Shambles” is a noun.
Where does the word “shambles” come from?
The word “shambles” comes from Old English. From Old English sceamol ("bench, stool"), which came to mean a butcher's bench, then a slaughterhouse, then a scene of disorder or carnage.
How many meanings does “shambles” have?
“Shambles” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos.
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