shift
SHIHFT
Shift (verb) means to move something from one place or position to another. Example: “She shifted the boxes to the other side of the room.”
verb
1
To move something from one place or position to another.
"She shifted the boxes to the other side of the room."
"Public opinion has shifted on the issue."
"Could you shift your bag so that I can sit down?"
2
To change gears in a vehicle.
"He shifted into third gear as he pulled onto the motorway."
"Remember to shift down before you take the sharp bend."
"She struggled to shift into reverse because the gearstick was stiff."
noun
1
A scheduled block of working time.
"She works the night shift at the hospital."
"His shift starts at six in the morning."
"Nobody wanted to cover the Sunday shift, so we drew straws."
2
A keyboard key used to type capital letters or alternate characters.
"Hold shift and press the number key to get the symbol."
"Press the shift key to turn the letter into a capital."
"My shift key sticks, so every sentence I type begins oddly."
How to use shift
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move or change position — or, as a noun, a fixed period of work time or the keyboard key for capitals.
Common pairings
shift gears
night shift
shift the blame
a shift in attitude
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like shift.
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
- Third person singular
- shifts
- Past tense
- shifted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the boxes to the other side of the room.
Etymology
From Old English sċiftan, meaning "to divide, arrange, or organise" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to move or change."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shift
See all rhymes for shift →Frequently asked questions
What does “shift” mean?
The word “shift” means to move something from one place or position to another. In plain terms, to move or change position — or, as a noun, a fixed period of work time or the keyboard key for capitals.
How do you pronounce “shift”?
“Shift” is pronounced SHIHFT (/ˈʃɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “shift” in a sentence?
Here is “shift” used in a sentence: “She shifted the boxes to the other side of the room.”
What part of speech is “shift”?
Depending on how it is used, “shift” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shift” come from?
The word “shift” comes from Old English. From Old English sċiftan, meaning "to divide, arrange, or organise" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to move or change.".
Is “shift” a common word?
“Shift” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “shift” have?
“Shift” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move something from one place or position to another.
What is the difference between 'shift' and 'move'?
'Move' is the general word for changing position. 'Shift' usually means a smaller or slighter change — nudging, adjusting, or repositioning something rather than transporting it far. You might move house across the country, but shift a chair a few inches. 'Shift' often suggests a partial or subtle adjustment.
Can 'shift' be used figuratively?
Yes. Beyond moving objects, 'shift' describes changes in less physical things: opinions shift, blame is shifted onto someone, and attention shifts from one topic to another. In each case the core idea remains — something changes from one position, state, or focus to another.
Is 'shift' also a noun?
Yes. As a noun, 'shift' can mean a change ('a shift in mood'), a set period of work ('the night shift'), or a key on a keyboard. All connect to the verb's core meaning of moving or changing from one state, position, or arrangement to another.
What is an example of 'shift' as a verb?
'Could you help me shift this table nearer the window?' shows the everyday sense of moving an object. Figuratively, 'the company shifted its focus to online sales' shows a change of direction. Both involve moving something from one place, position, or state to another.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include shift:
