First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1stagger
verb stag·ger \ˈsta-gər\
: to move or cause (someone) to move unsteadily from side to side
: to shock or surprise (someone) very much
: to arrange (things) in a series of different positions or times
stag·geredstag·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of STAGGER
intransitive verb
1
a : to reel from side to side : totter b : to move on unsteadily <staggered toward the door>
2
: to waver in purpose or action : hesitate
3
: to rock violently <the ship staggered>
transitive verb
1
: to cause to doubt or hesitate : perplex
2
: to cause to reel or totter
3
: to arrange in any of various zigzags, alternations, or overlappings of position or time <stagger work shifts> <stagger teeth on a cutter>
— stag·ger·er \-gər-ər\ noun
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Origin of STAGGER
alteration of earlier stacker, from Middle English stakeren, from Old Norse stakra, frequentative of staka to push; perhaps akin to Old English staca stake — more at stake
Related to STAGGER
2stagger
noun
: an unsteady movement while walking or standing
Full Definition of STAGGER
1
plural but sing or plural in constr : an abnormal condition of domestic animals associated with damage to the central nervous system and marked by incoordination and a reeling unsteady gait
2
: a reeling or unsteady gait or stance
3
: an arrangement in which the leading edge of the upper wing of a biplane is advanced over that of the lower
See stagger defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STAGGER
1577
3stagger
adjective
Definition of STAGGER
: marked by an alternating or overlapping pattern
First Known Use of STAGGER
1918
STAGGERER Defined for Kids
1stagger
verb stag·ger \ˈsta-gər\
stag·geredstag·ger·ing
Definition of STAGGER for Kids
1
: to move or cause to move unsteadily from side to side as if about to fall : reel <He staggered under the load's weight.>
2
: to cause or feel great surprise or shock <The news staggered me.>
3
: to arrange or be arranged in a zigzag but balanced way <She stared at the dark brown and purple ridges staggered in the distance … — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising>
2stagger
noun
Definition of STAGGER for Kids
: a reeling or unsteady walk
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