shower
SHOW-uh
Shower (noun) means a device that sprays water over a person for washing, or the act of washing this way. Example: “I need a shower after that run.”
noun
1
A device that sprays water over a person for washing, or the act of washing this way.
"I need a shower after that run."
"The hotel room has a shower but no bathtub."
"She sang loudly in the shower while the water heated up."
2
A brief spell of rain.
"A light shower passed through in the afternoon."
"Take an umbrella because there may be a shower later this morning."
"Heavy showers swept across the hills, then the sun came out again."
3
A party celebrating an upcoming birth or wedding, at which the guest of honour receives gifts.
"They threw her a baby shower before the due date."
"My sister is hosting a bridal shower for her best friend on Saturday."
"Everyone brought a small gift to the shower."
verb
1
To wash oneself using a shower.
"He showers every morning before work."
"After football, the boys showered quickly and ran for the bus."
"I usually shower at the gym instead of waiting until I get home."
2
To give something generously or in abundance.
"Fans showered the band with gifts after the show."
"The grandparents showered the new baby with kisses and presents."
"Critics showered the young author with praise when her first novel came out."
How to use shower
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device or act of washing with running water, a spell of rain, or a gift party.
Common pairings
take a shower
rain shower
baby shower
shower someone with gifts
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Word forms
- Plural
- showers
- Third person singular
- showers
- Past tense
- showered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I need a _____ after that run.
Etymology
From Old English sċūr ("shower"), from a Proto-Germanic root probably linked to words for cold north winds.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for shower
See all rhymes for shower →Frequently asked questions
What does “shower” mean?
The word “shower” means a device that sprays water over a person for washing, or the act of washing this way. In plain terms, a device or act of washing with running water, a spell of rain, or a gift party.
How do you pronounce “shower”?
“Shower” is pronounced SHOW-uh (/ˈʃaʊ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “shower” in a sentence?
Here is “shower” used in a sentence: “I need a shower after that run.”
What part of speech is “shower”?
Depending on how it is used, “shower” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shower” come from?
The word “shower” comes from Old English. From Old English sċūr ("shower"), from a Proto-Germanic root probably linked to words for cold north winds.
Is “shower” a common word?
“Shower” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “shower” have?
“Shower” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that sprays water over a person for washing, or the act of washing this way.
What is the difference between a shower and a bath?
A shower sprays water over you while you stand, and you wash under the running stream. A bath means soaking in a tub filled with water. Showers are usually quicker and use less water, while baths are slower and more relaxing. The words also name the acts: to shower versus to bathe.
What are the other meanings of shower?
Besides washing, a shower is a short burst of rain — 'scattered showers this afternoon.' It can also mean a party held to give gifts, such as a baby shower or bridal shower. And 'a shower of' describes a lot of something arriving at once, like a shower of sparks or a shower of praise.
What is a baby shower?
A baby shower is a celebration held before a baby is born, where friends and family gather to give gifts and support to the expecting parents. The name uses 'shower' in the sense of showering someone with presents and good wishes. Bridal showers work the same way, before a wedding.
What is an example of shower in a sentence?
'I'm going to take a shower before work,' or 'The bathroom has a walk-in shower.' In other senses: 'We got caught in a shower on the way home,' or 'They threw her a baby shower.' Each points to spraying water, brief rain, or a gift-giving party.
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