First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shower
noun show·er \ˈshau̇(-ə)r\
Definition of SHOWER
1
a : a fall of rain of short duration b : a similar fall of sleet, hail, or snow
2
: something resembling a rain shower <a shower of statistics>; especially : a fall of meteors which belong to a single group and whose trails appear to originate at the same point in space
3
: a party given by friends who bring gifts often of a particular kind <a bridal shower>
4
: a bath in which water is showered on the body; also : the apparatus that provides a shower
— show·er·less \-ləs\ adjective
— show·ery \ˈshau̇(-ə)-rē\ adjective
— to the showers
: out of the ball game <a pitcher sent to the showers>
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SHOWER
Middle English shour, from Old English scūr; akin to Old High German scūr shower, storm, Latin caurus northwest wind
2shower
verb
: to wash yourself by using a shower
: to fall on someone or something in the way that rain falls from the sky
: to provide (someone) with something in large amounts
Full Definition of SHOWER
intransitive verb1
: to rain or fall in or as if in a shower <letters showered on him in praise and protest>
2
: to bathe in a shower
transitive verb
1
a : to wet (as with water) in a spray, fine stream, or drops b (1) : to cause to fall in a shower <factory chimneys showered soot on the district> (2) : to cause a shower to fall on <showered the newlyweds with rice>
2
: to give in abundance <showered her with honors>
— show·er·er \ˈshau̇(-ə)r-ər\ noun
See shower defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHOWER
15th century
3shower
noun show·er \ˈshō-ər\
SHOWER Defined for Kids
1shower
noun show·er \ˈshau̇-ər\
Definition of SHOWER for Kids
1
: a short fall of rain over a small area
2
: a large number of things that fall, are given off, or happen at the same time <a shower of sparks> <a shower of praise>
3
: a bath in which water is sprayed on the body or a device for providing such a bath
4
: a party where gifts are given especially to a woman who is about to be married or have a baby
2shower
verb
show·eredshow·er·ing
Definition of SHOWER for Kids
1
: to wet with fine spray or drops <A passing car showered us with muddy water.>
2
: to fall in or as if in a shower <Live sparks and red coals showered down with the smoke. — Janet Shaw, Meet Kirsten>
3
: to provide in great quantity <We showered them with gifts.>
4
: to bathe in a shower
Learn More About SHOWER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: shower bathPrevious Word in the Dictionary: showdown inspectionAll Words Near: shower
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up shower? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).