First Known Use: 1585
Dictionary
1shelter
noun shel·ter \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
1
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
2
: a position or the state of being covered and protected <took shelter>
— shel·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective
See shelter defined for English-language learners
See shelter defined for kids
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Origin of SHELTER
origin unknown
Related to SHELTER
2shelter
verb
: 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
1
: to constitute or provide a shelter for : protect <has led a sheltered life>
2
: to place under shelter or protection <sheltered himself in a mountain cave>
3
: to protect (income) from taxation
intransitive verb
: to take shelter
— shel·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
See shelter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHELTER
1590
SHELTER Defined for Kids
1shelter
noun shel·ter \ˈshel-tər\
Definition of SHELTER for Kids
1
: something that covers or protects <We made a shelter from branches.>
2
: a place that provides food and housing to those in need <a homeless shelter> <an animal shelter>
3
: the condition of being protected <I found shelter from the storm.>
2shelter
verb
shel·teredshel·ter·ing
Definition of SHELTER for Kids
1
: to provide with a place that covers or protects : be a shelter for <A cave sheltered the climbers.>
2
: to find and use a shelter for protection <… within minutes, half the class was sheltering under desks … — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
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