First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
shambles
noun plural but singular or plural in construction sham·bles \ˈsham-bəlz\
: a place or state in which there is great confusion, disorder, or destruction
Full Definition of SHAMBLES
1
archaic : a meat market
2
3
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Origin of SHAMBLES
Middle English shameles, plural of schamel vendor's table, footstool, from Old English sceamol stool, from Latin scamillum, diminutive of scamnum stool, bench; perhaps akin to Sanskrit skambha pillar
SHAMBLES Defined for Kids
shambles
noun plural sham·bles \ˈsham-bəlz\
Definition of SHAMBLES for Kids
: a place or scene of disorder or destruction <After the party, the house was a shambles.> Hint:Shambles can be used as a singular or a plural in writing and speaking.
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