stagger

STA-guh

Stagger (verb) means to walk unsteadily, as if about to fall. Example: “He staggered out of the bar and hailed a taxi.”

verb

To walk unsteadily, as if about to fall.

"He staggered out of the bar and hailed a taxi."

"She staggered to her feet after the fall."

To shock or astonish someone.

"The scale of the damage staggered even the experts."

To arrange events or times so they don't all happen at once.

"The office staggered shifts to reduce crowding."

noun

An unsteady, swaying walk.

"There was a slight stagger in his step after the long flight."

How to use stagger

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo walk unsteadily, to shock someone, or to spread things out over time.

Common pairings

staggering amount stagger the shifts stagger to one's feet

Word forms

staggered past tense, staggers plural, staggers plural, staggers singular

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He _____ out of the bar and hailed a taxi.

Etymology

From Old Norse stakra, meaning to push or totter.

Origin: Old Norse

Synonyms

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distribute reel stumble swag keel lurch flounder careen

Related words

money video trip supply spread error prize shift

Rhymes for stagger

dagger jagger bagger swagger

See all rhymes for stagger →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stagger” mean?

The word “stagger” means to walk unsteadily, as if about to fall. In plain terms, to walk unsteadily, to shock someone, or to spread things out over time.

How do you pronounce “stagger”?

“Stagger” is pronounced STA-guh (/ˈstæɡɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “stagger” in a sentence?

Here is “stagger” used in a sentence: “He staggered out of the bar and hailed a taxi.”

What part of speech is “stagger”?

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

Where does the word “stagger” come from?

The word “stagger” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse stakra, meaning to push or totter.

How many meanings does “stagger” have?

“Stagger” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to walk unsteadily, as if about to fall.

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Vocabulary lists that include stagger:

Words with old Norse origins B2 vocabulary words

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