noun \ˈshel-tər\

: a structure that covers or protects people or things

: a place that provides food and protection for people or animals that need assistance

: a place to live

Full Definition of SHELTER

a :  something that covers or affords protection <a bomb shelter>
b :  an establishment providing food and shelter (as to the homeless)
c :  an establishment that houses and feeds stray animals
:  a position or the state of being covered and protected <took shelter>
shel·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of SHELTER

  1. We made a shelter from branches.
  2. a shelter for battered women
  3. The organization provides food and shelter for homeless people.
  4. The crowd ran for shelter when the rain started.
  5. They sought shelter from the storm.

Origin of SHELTER

origin unknown
First Known Use: 1585



: to protect (someone) from danger, bad weather, etc. : to provide shelter for (someone)

: to be in a place that provides protection from danger, bad weather, etc. : to take shelter

shel·teredshel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Full Definition of SHELTER

transitive verb
:  to constitute or provide a shelter for :  protect <has led a sheltered life>
:  to place under shelter or protection <sheltered himself in a mountain cave>
:  to protect (income) from taxation
intransitive verb
:  to take shelter
shel·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

Examples of SHELTER

  1. A cave sheltered the climbers during the storm.
  2. They sheltered in a cave while they waited for the storm to pass.

First Known Use of SHELTER


Related to SHELTER


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