English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun Uncommon

shutter

SHUH-tuh

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Shutter (noun) means a hinged or sliding panel used to cover a window. Example: “They closed the shutters before the storm hit.”

noun

1

A hinged or sliding panel used to cover a window.

"They closed the shutters before the storm hit."

2

The mechanism in a camera that opens briefly to let light reach the film or sensor.

"The photographer used a fast shutter speed to freeze the action."

verb

1

To close down permanently.

"The company shuttered its last remaining factory."

How to use shutter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cover for a window, the light-controlling part of a camera, or (as a verb) to close a business for good.

Common pairings

shutter speed close the shutters shutter a business

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: shutters
Third person singular: shutters
Past tense: shuttered

Test yourself on “shutter” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They closed the _____ before the storm hit.

Etymology

From "shut" plus the suffix "-er."

Rhymes for shutter

utter butter putter nutter mutter cutter gutter Sutter stutter clutter flutter woodcutter

See all rhymes for shutter →

Frequently asked questions

What does “shutter” mean?

The word “shutter” means a hinged or sliding panel used to cover a window. In plain terms, a cover for a window, the light-controlling part of a camera, or (as a verb) to close a business for good.

How do you pronounce “shutter”?

“Shutter” is pronounced SHUH-tuh (/ˈʃʌtəː/ in IPA).

How do you use “shutter” in a sentence?

Here is “shutter” used in a sentence: “They closed the shutters before the storm hit.”

What part of speech is “shutter”?

Depending on how it is used, “shutter” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “shutter” a common word?

“Shutter” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “shutter” have?

“Shutter” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hinged or sliding panel used to cover a window.