noun
C1
Advanced
shambles
SHAM-buhlz
Shambles (noun) means a scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos. Example: “The kitchen was a shambles after the party.”
noun
1
A scene of complete disorder, mess, or chaos.
"The kitchen was a shambles after the party."
"The whole project turned into an absolute shambles."
2
Historically, a butcher's shop or slaughterhouse (now rare/archaic).
"The old town's Shambles street was once lined with butchers' stalls."
How to use shambles
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA complete mess or state of chaos.
When to use it
Almost always used with "a" or "in", as in "it's a shambles" or "in shambles".
Common pairings
a total shambles
in shambles
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like shambles.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include shambles:
