shrug
SHRUHG
Shrug (verb) means to raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern. Example: “He just shrugged when asked why he was late.”
verb
1
To raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern.
"He just shrugged when asked why he was late."
noun
1
The gesture of raising the shoulders to show indifference or uncertainty.
"She answered the question with a shrug."
2
A short, cropped, cardigan-like garment.
"She wore a knitted shrug over her sleeveless dress."
How to use shrug
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lift your shoulders to show you don't know or don't care, or a short cropped cardigan.
Common pairings
shrug it off
shrug your shoulders
a casual shrug
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Word forms
- Plural
- shrugs
- Third person singular
- shrugs
- Past tense
- shrugged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She answered the question with a _____.
Etymology
From Middle English schruggen, probably of North Germanic origin, related to words meaning "to stoop or crouch."
Rhymes for shrug
See all rhymes for shrug →Frequently asked questions
What does “shrug” mean?
The word “shrug” means to raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern. In plain terms, to lift your shoulders to show you don't know or don't care, or a short cropped cardigan.
How do you pronounce “shrug”?
“Shrug” is pronounced SHRUHG (/ˈʃɹʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “shrug” in a sentence?
Here is “shrug” used in a sentence: “He just shrugged when asked why he was late.”
What part of speech is “shrug”?
Depending on how it is used, “shrug” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shrug” come from?
The word “shrug” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schruggen, probably of North Germanic origin, related to words meaning "to stoop or crouch.".
Is “shrug” a common word?
“Shrug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “shrug” have?
“Shrug” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern.
