shed
Shed (noun) means a small, simple structure used for storage or shelter, usually in a garden or yard. Example: “He keeps his tools and the lawnmower in the garden shed.”
How to use shed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a small outbuilding, or the act of letting something drop off or be released, from skin to weight to tears.
Word forms
shed past tense, shedded past tense, shedded past tense, sheds plural, Sheds plural, sheds singular, sheds singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He keeps his tools and the lawnmower in the garden _____.
Etymology
From Old English scēadan, "to separate or divide" — the storage-building sense grew later from the idea of something set apart from the main house.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “shed” mean?
The word “shed” means a small, simple structure used for storage or shelter, usually in a garden or yard. In plain terms, either a small outbuilding, or the act of letting something drop off or be released, from skin to weight to tears.
How do you pronounce “shed”?
“Shed” is pronounced shehd (/ʃɛd/ in IPA).
How do you use “shed” in a sentence?
Here is “shed” used in a sentence: “He keeps his tools and the lawnmower in the garden shed.”
What part of speech is “shed”?
Depending on how it is used, “shed” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shed” come from?
The word “shed” comes from Old English. From Old English scēadan, "to separate or divide" — the storage-building sense grew later from the idea of something set apart from the main house.
Is “shed” a common word?
“Shed” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “shed” have?
“Shed” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, simple structure used for storage or shelter, usually in a garden or yard.
What is the difference between a shed and a garage?
A shed is a small, simple structure used for storage or shelter, usually in a garden or yard. A garage is typically larger and built mainly to house vehicles, often attached to a house.
What is the past tense of 'shed'?
'Shed' is an irregular verb whose past tense and past participle are also 'shed,' not 'shedded.' For example, 'the tree shed its leaves last autumn.'
What is the difference between 'shed' and 'molt'?
'Shed' is a general verb for letting something fall away naturally, such as skin, hair, leaves, or tears. 'Molt' (or 'moult') refers specifically to an animal shedding feathers, skin, or a shell as part of a growth cycle.