Words Starting With SH
Dive into the shimmering world of words starting with "SH"! From the mysterious shadows to the joyful shouts, these words add spice and sparkle to our language. Whether you're sharpening your vocabulary or just having a bit of fun, let's shake things up and explore the magic of "SH"!
2 letter words
| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sh | 5 | - | - |
3 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| she | 6 | This or that female; the woman understood or referred to; the animal of the female sex, or object personified as feminine, which was spoken of. | - |
| shh | 9 | - | - |
| shy | 9 | lacking self-confidence | - |
| sha | 6 | - | - |
| sho | 6 | - | - |
4 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| shit | 7 | obscene terms for feces | - |
| show | 10 | provide evidence for | The blood test showed that he was the father |
| shut | 7 | move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut | shut the window |
| shot | 7 | an estimate based on little or no information | - |
| shop | 9 | small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done | - |
| ship | 9 | go on board | - |
| shoe | 7 | a restraint provided when the brake linings are moved hydraulically against the brake drum to retard the wheel's rotation | - |
| shed | 8 | cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers | our dog sheds every Spring |
| shin | 7 | a cut of meat from the lower part of the leg | - |
| shaw | 10 | United States humorist who wrote about rural life (1818-1885) | - |
| shan | 7 | a branch of the Tai languages | - |
| shoo | 7 | drive away by crying `shoo!' | - |
| shag | 8 | slang for sexual intercourse | - |
| shah | 10 | title for the former hereditary monarch of Iran | - |
| shiv | 10 | a knife used as a weapon | - |
| sham | 9 | adopted in order to deceive | sham modesty |
| shun | 7 | avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of | - |
| shea | 7 | - | - |
| shim | 9 | a thin wedge of material (wood or metal or stone) for driving into crevices | - |
| shay | 10 | a carriage consisting of two wheels and a calash top; drawn by a single horse | - |
| shad | 8 | bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning; especially of Atlantic coast | - |
| shul | 7 | - | - |
| shod | 8 | used of certain religious orders who wear shoes | - |
| shir | 7 | - | - |
| shew | 10 | establish the validity of something, as by an example, explanation or experiment | - |
| shat | 7 | - | - |
| shen | 7 | - | - |
| shes | 7 | - | - |
| shet | 7 | - | - |
| shhh | 13 | - | - |
| shmo | 9 | (Yiddish) a jerk | - |
| shog | 8 | - | - |
| shri | 7 | - | - |
| shwa | 10 | a neutral middle vowel; occurs in unstressed syllables | - |
5 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| shall | 8 | - | - |
| shoot | 8 | make a film or photograph of something | shoot a movie |
| short | 8 | of insufficient quantity to meet a need | money is short |
| share | 8 | the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result | they all did their share of the work |
| shoes | 8 | a particular situation | - |
| shirt | 8 | a garment worn on the upper half of the body | - |
| shame | 10 | a state of dishonor | one mistake brought shame to all his family |
| shake | 12 | move back and forth or sideways | - |
| shape | 10 | the visual appearance of something or someone | - |
| shock | 14 | the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat | the armies met in the shock of battle |
| sharp | 10 | (of something seen or heard) clearly defined | a sharp photographic image |
| shout | 8 | utter a sudden loud cry | - |
| shift | 11 | lay aside, abandon, or leave for another | - |
| shine | 8 | be bright by reflecting or casting light | - |
| shark | 12 | any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales | - |
| shore | 8 | arrive on shore | - |
| sheep | 10 | a docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision | his students followed him like sheep |
| shown | 11 | - | - |
| shell | 8 | remove the husks from | - |
| shave | 11 | cut closely | - |
| sheet | 8 | paper used for writing or printing | - |
| shove | 11 | come into rough contact with while moving | - |
| shiny | 11 | having a shiny surface or coating | - |
| shade | 9 | a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color | after several trials he mixed the shade of pink that she wanted |
| shelf | 11 | a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water | - |
| shaft | 11 | an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect | she threw shafts of sarcasm |
| shawn | 11 | United States dancer and choreographer who collaborated with Ruth Saint Denis (1891-1972) | - |
| shook | 12 | a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment | - |
| sheer | 8 | not mixed with extraneous elements | sheer wine |
| shiva | 11 | (Judaism) a period of seven days of mourning after the death of close relative | the family is sitting shiva |
| shack | 14 | small crude shelter used as a dwelling | - |
| shalt | 8 | - | - |
| shady | 12 | not as expected | a shady deal |
| shite | 8 | obscene terms for feces | - |
| shush | 11 | silence (someone) by uttering `shush!' | - |
| shred | 9 | a tiny or scarcely detectable amount | - |
| shaky | 15 | not secure; beset with difficulties | a shaky marriage |
| shone | 8 | - | - |
| shawl | 11 | cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders | - |
| sheik | 12 | a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance | - |
| shire | 8 | British breed of large heavy draft horse | - |
| sheen | 8 | the visual property of something that shines with reflected light | - |
| shank | 12 | cylinder forming a long narrow part of something | - |
| shrew | 11 | a scolding nagging bad-tempered woman | - |
| shoal | 8 | a large group of fish | - |
| shear | 8 | shear the wool from | shear sheep |
| shrug | 9 | a gesture involving the shoulders | - |
| shirk | 12 | avoid (one's assigned duties) | The derelict soldier shirked his duties |
| shogi | 9 | a form of chess played on a board of 81 squares; each player has 20 pieces | - |
| shoji | 15 | a translucent screen made of a wooden frame covered with rice paper | - |
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6 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| should | 10 | - | - |
| shower | 12 | someone who organizes an exhibit for others to see | - |
| shadow | 13 | a spy employed to follow someone and report their movements | - |
| shitty | 12 | very bad | - |
| shared | 10 | distributed in portions (often equal) on the basis of a plan or purpose | - |
| shrink | 13 | become smaller or draw together | - |
| shield | 10 | armor carried on the arm to intercept blows | - |
| sharon | 9 | - | - |
| shorts | 9 | (used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee | - |
| shaped | 12 | shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort) | a shaped handgrip |
| shrimp | 13 | disparaging terms for small people | - |
| shorty | 12 | - | - |
| shelly | 12 | - | - |
| shovel | 12 | a machine for excavating | - |
| shaved | 13 | having the beard or hair cut off close to the skin | - |
| sherry | 12 | dry to sweet amber wine from the Jerez region of southern Spain or similar wines produced elsewhere; usually drunk as an aperitif | - |
| shaggy | 14 | having a very rough nap or covered with hanging shags | shaggy rugs |
| sheila | 9 | - | - |
| shrine | 9 | enclose in a shrine | the saint's bones were enshrined in the cathedral |
| shades | 10 | (plural) spectacles that are darkened or polarized to protect the eyes from the glare of the sun | he was wearing a pair of mirrored shades |
| shaken | 13 | disturbed psychologically as if by a physical jolt or shock | the accident left her badly shaken |
| sheikh | 16 | the leader of an Arab village or family | - |
| shanti | 9 | - | - |
| shaman | 11 | in societies practicing shamanism: one acting as a medium between the visible and spirit worlds; practices sorcery for healing or divination | - |
| shalom | 11 | - | - |
| shabby | 16 | showing signs of wear and tear | shabby furniture |
| shasta | 9 | a volcanic mountain peak in the Cascade Range in northern California (14,162 feet high) | - |
| shogun | 10 | a hereditary military dictator of Japan; the shoguns ruled Japan until the revolution of 1867-68 | - |
| shiver | 12 | shake, as from cold | The children are shivering--turn on the heat! |
| shamed | 12 | showing a sense of guilt | - |
| shroud | 10 | (nautical) a line (rope or chain) that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind | - |
| shrunk | 13 | - | - |
| shifty | 15 | changing position or direction | shifty winds |
| shaker | 13 | a person who wields power and influence | a shaker of traditional beliefs |
| shucks | 15 | something of little value | not worth shucks |
| shrewd | 13 | acting with a specific goal | - |
| shimmy | 16 | tremble or shake | - |
| shaven | 12 | having the beard or hair cut off close to the skin | - |
| shaver | 12 | a razor powered by an electric motor | - |
| shriek | 13 | sharp piercing cry | - |
| shrill | 9 | having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones | a shrill whistle |
| sheath | 12 | an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part | - |
| shears | 9 | large scissors with strong blades | - |
| shekel | 13 | the basic unit of money in Israel | - |
| shoddy | 14 | unethical or dishonest | shoddy business practices |
| shrank | 13 | - | - |
| shandy | 13 | a drink made of beer and lemonade | - |
| sharif | 12 | - | - |
| shanty | 12 | a rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors | - |
| shamus | 11 | someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information | - |
Load more words
7 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| showing | 14 | something shown to the public | - |
| sheriff | 16 | the principal law-enforcement officer in a county | - |
| shelter | 10 | a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earnings | - |
| shocked | 17 | struck with fear, dread, or consternation | - |
| shaking | 15 | a shaky motion | the shaking of his fingers as he lit his pipe |
| shining | 11 | the work of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing or waxing it | the shining of shoes provided a meager living |
| sharing | 11 | sharing thoughts and feelings | - |
| shortly | 13 | in the near future | the book will appear shortly |
| shotgun | 11 | firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges | - |
| shooter | 10 | a person who shoots (usually with respect to their ability to shoot) | a poor shooter |
| shallow | 13 | become shallow | the lake shallowed over time |
| shuttle | 10 | badminton equipment consisting of a ball of cork or rubber with a crown of feathers | - |
| showers | 13 | - | - |
| shampoo | 14 | cleansing agent consisting of soaps or detergents used for washing the hair | - |
| shouted | 11 | in a vehement outcry | his shouted words of encouragement could be heard over the crowd noises |
| shaving | 14 | the act of removing hair with a razor | - |
| shutter | 10 | a hinged blind for a window | - |
| shelves | 13 | - | - |
| sharply | 15 | changing suddenly in direction and degree | the road twists sharply after the light |
| shuffle | 16 | mix so as to make a random order or arrangement | shuffle the cards |
| shatter | 10 | break into many pieces | The wine glass shattered |
| shekels | 14 | informal terms for money | - |
| shoving | 14 | - | - |
| shyness | 13 | a feeling of fear of embarrassment | - |
| sharpen | 12 | make (one's senses) more acute | This drug will sharpen your vision |
| sharper | 12 | a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games | - |
| shaping | 13 | any process serving to define the shape of something | - |
| shorten | 10 | edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate | - |
| shagged | 13 | having a very rough nap or covered with hanging shags | junipers with shagged trunks |
| showbiz | 24 | - | - |
| shudder | 12 | shake, as from cold | - |
| shylock | 19 | someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest | - |
| shocker | 16 | a sensational message (in a film or play or novel) | - |
| shitter | 10 | a person who defecates | - |
| shopper | 14 | a commercial agent who shops at the competitor's store in order to compare their prices and merchandise with those of the store that employs her | - |
| shindig | 12 | a large and noisy party of people | - |
| shimmer | 14 | a weak and tremulous light | the shimmer of colors on iridescent feathers |
| shadowy | 17 | lacking in substance | strange fancies of unreal and shadowy worlds |
| shrivel | 13 | decrease in size, range, or extent | My courage shrivelled when I saw the task before me |
| sherbet | 12 | a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar, but also containing milk or egg-white or gelatin | - |
| shelled | 11 | of animals or fruits that have a shell | - |
| shiatsu | 10 | treatment of symptoms by applying pressure with the fingers to specific pressure points on the body | - |
| shoebox | 19 | an oblong rectangular (usually cardboard) box designed to hold a pair of shoes | - |
| sheared | 11 | having the hair or wool cut or clipped off as if with shears or clippers | naked as a sheared sheep |
| shackle | 16 | bind the arms of | - |
| shebang | 13 | an entire system; used in the phrase `the whole shebang' | - |
| shapely | 15 | having a well-proportioned and pleasing shape | a slim waist and shapely legs |
| showman | 15 | a sponsor who books and stages public entertainments | - |
| shakers | 14 | a celibate and communistic Christian sect in the United States | - |
| shingle | 11 | building material used as siding or roofing | - |
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8 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| shooting | 12 | the act of firing a projectile | his shooting was slow but accurate |
| shouting | 12 | uttering a loud inarticulate cry as of pain or excitement | - |
| shopping | 16 | searching for or buying goods or services | went shopping for a reliable plumber |
| shoulder | 12 | a narrow edge of land (usually unpaved) along the side of a road | the car pulled off onto the shoulder |
| shanghai | 15 | take (someone) against his will for compulsory service, especially on board a ship | The men were shanghaied after being drugged |
| shepherd | 17 | a herder of sheep (on an open range); someone who keeps the sheep together in a flock | - |
| shocking | 18 | giving offense to moral sensibilities and injurious to reputation | the most shocking book of its time |
| shitting | 12 | the elimination of fecal waste through the anus | - |
| shithead | 15 | a stupid person; these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's intelligence | - |
| shameful | 16 | (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame | a shameful display of cowardice |
| shipment | 15 | goods carried by a large vehicle | - |
| shortcut | 13 | a route shorter than the usual one | - |
| shipping | 16 | conveyance provided by the ships belonging to one country or industry | - |
| shutting | 12 | the act of closing something | - |
| showtime | 16 | the time at which something is supposed to begin | - |
| shortage | 12 | an acute insufficiency | - |
| shifting | 15 | (of soil) unstable | shifting sands |
| sherlock | 17 | someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information | - |
| shitless | 11 | (used as complement) to the utmost degree | the students were bored shitless |
| shagging | 14 | - | - |
| shootout | 11 | a fight involving shooting small arms with the intent to kill or frighten | - |
| shrapnel | 13 | shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight | - |
| shredded | 14 | prepared by cutting | shredded cabbage |
| shedding | 14 | the process whereby something is shed | - |
| showdown | 18 | a hostile disagreement face-to-face | - |
| showcase | 16 | a setting in which something can be displayed to best effect | it was a showcase for democracy in Africa |
| showroom | 16 | an area where merchandise (such as cars) can be displayed | in Britain a showroom is called a salesroom |
| shipyard | 17 | a workplace where ships are built or repaired | - |
| shutdown | 15 | termination of operations | - |
| shambles | 15 | a building where animals are butchered | - |
| shilling | 12 | the basic unit of money in Somalia; equal to 100 cents | - |
| shoelace | 13 | a lace used for fastening shoes | - |
| shielded | 13 | (used especially of machinery) protected by a shield to prevent injury | - |
| shelling | 12 | the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target | the shelling went on for hours without pausing |
| shingles | 12 | eruptions along a nerve path often accompanied by severe neuralgia | - |
| showgirl | 15 | a woman who dances in a chorus line | - |
| shackled | 18 | bound by chains fastened around the ankles | - |
| shredder | 13 | a device that shreds documents (usually in order to prevent the wrong people from reading them) | - |
| shorties | 11 | - | - |
| shadowed | 16 | filled with shade | the surface of the pond is dark and shadowed |
| shrunken | 15 | lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness | a shrunken old man |
| shearing | 12 | removing by cutting off or clipping | - |
| shamrock | 19 | creeping European clover having white to pink flowers and bright green leaves; naturalized in United States; widely grown for forage | - |
| shinning | 12 | - | - |
| sheeting | 12 | fabric from which bed sheets are made | - |
| shetland | 12 | an archipelago of about 100 islands in the North Atlantic off the north coast of Scotland | - |
| shoplift | 16 | steal in a store | - |
| shrewdly | 18 | in a shrewd manner | - |
| sheepdog | 15 | any of various usually long-haired breeds of dog reared to herd and guard sheep | - |
| sheepish | 16 | showing a sense of shame | - |
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9 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| shattered | 13 | ruined or disrupted | our shattered dreams of peace and prosperity |
| shameless | 14 | feeling no shame | a shameless imposter |
| shivering | 16 | a sensation of cold that often marks the start of an infection and the development of a fever | - |
| shrieking | 17 | sharp piercing cry | - |
| shrinking | 17 | process or result of becoming less or smaller | - |
| sheltered | 13 | protected from danger or bad weather | a sheltered harbor |
| shipwreck | 23 | an accident that destroys a ship at sea | - |
| shoeshine | 15 | a shiny finish put on shoes with polish and buffing | his trousers had a sharp crease and you could see your reflection in his shoeshine |
| sharpened | 15 | having the point made sharp | a sharpened pencil |
| shellfish | 18 | invertebrate having a soft unsegmented body usually enclosed in a shell | - |
| shuffling | 19 | the act of mixing cards haphazardly | - |
| shoreline | 12 | a boundary line between land and water | - |
| shortened | 13 | cut short in duration | her shortened life was clearly the result of smoking |
| shoemaker | 18 | a person who makes or repairs shoes | - |
| shorthand | 16 | a method of writing rapidly using an abbreviated symbolic system | - |
| shriveled | 16 | lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness | the old woman's shriveled skin |
| shadowing | 17 | the act of following someone secretly | - |
| shielding | 14 | a shield of lead or concrete intended as a barrier to radiation emitted in nuclear decay | - |
| shoveling | 16 | - | - |
| shortstop | 14 | the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed between second and third base | - |
| shredding | 15 | - | - |
| shortness | 12 | an abrupt discourteous manner | - |
| sharpener | 14 | any implement that is used to make something (an edge or a point) sharper | a knife sharpener |
| sharpness | 14 | the attribute of urgency in tone of voice | - |
| shipshape | 19 | of places; characterized by order and neatness; free from disorder | even the barn was shipshape |
| shakedown | 20 | a very thorough search of a person or a place | a shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs |
| shogunate | 13 | a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.) | - |
| shortwave | 18 | - | - |
| shapeless | 14 | having no definite form or distinct shape | a shapeless mass of protoplasm |
| shirtless | 12 | - | - |
| sheepskin | 18 | a document certifying the successful completion of a course of study | - |
| shittiest | 12 | - | - |
| shortcake | 18 | very short biscuit dough baked as individual biscuits or a round loaf; served with sweetened fruit and usually whipped cream | - |
| shortfall | 15 | the property of being an amount by which something is less than expected or required | - |
| shrinkage | 17 | process or result of becoming less or smaller | the material lost 2 inches per yard in shrinkage |
| showpiece | 19 | the outstanding item (the prize piece or main exhibit) in a collection | - |
| shampooed | 17 | - | - |
| sheetrock | 18 | a kind of plasterboard | - |
| shipboard | 17 | casual or ephemeral as if taking place on board a ship | shipboard romances |
| shrouding | 14 | - | - |
| shrubbery | 19 | a collection of shrubs growing together | - |
| shuttered | 13 | provided with shutters or shutters as specified; often used in combination | a church with a shuttered belfry and spire |
| shiftless | 15 | lacking or characterized by lack of ambition or initiative; lazy | a shiftless student |
| shamanism | 16 | an animistic religion of northern Asia having the belief that the mediation between the visible and the spirit worlds is effected by shamans | - |
| shambolic | 18 | (British slang) disorderly or chaotic | it's a shambolic system |
| shortlist | 12 | a list of applicants winnowed from a longer list who have been deemed suitable and from which the successful person will be chosen | - |
| shovelled | 16 | - | - |
| shellfire | 15 | shooting artillery shells | - |
| sheepfold | 18 | a pen for sheep | - |
| shipowner | 17 | someone who owns a ship or a share in a ship | - |
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10 letter words
View all| Word | Points | Definition | Sentence example |
|---|---|---|---|
| shattering | 14 | the act of breaking something into small pieces | - |
| shopkeeper | 21 | a merchant who owns or manages a shop | - |
| shuddering | 16 | shaking convulsively or violently | - |
| shockingly | 23 | very badly | they behaved shockingly at the funeral |
| shopaholic | 20 | a compulsive shopper | shopaholics can never resist a bargain |
| shortening | 14 | act of decreasing in length | the dress needs shortening |
| shadowless | 17 | - | - |
| showerhead | 20 | a perforated nozzle that showers water on a bather | - |
| shantytown | 19 | a city district inhabited by people living in huts and shanties | - |
| shoestring | 14 | a lace used for fastening shoes | - |
| shampooing | 18 | - | - |
| shouldered | 15 | having shoulders or shoulders as specified; usually used as a combining form | stoop-shouldered |
| sheepishly | 21 | in a sheepish manner | sheepishly he handed her back the money |
| shoplifter | 18 | a thief who steals goods that are in a store | - |
| shovelling | 17 | - | - |
| shrivelled | 17 | lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness | - |
| shanghaied | 18 | - | - |
| shortbread | 16 | very rich thick butter cookie | - |
| shamefully | 21 | in a dishonorable manner or to a dishonorable degree | - |
| shockproof | 24 | - | - |
| shillelagh | 17 | a cudgel made of hardwood (usually oak or blackthorn) | - |
| shotgunned | 15 | - | - |
| sheepshead | 19 | large (up to 20 lbs) food fish of the eastern coast of the United States and Mexico | - |
| shabbiness | 17 | a lack of elegance as a consequence of wearing threadbare or dirty clothing | - |
| shadowland | 18 | - | - |
| shamefaced | 21 | showing a sense of shame | - |
| shibboleth | 20 | a favorite saying of a sect or political group | - |
| shoemaking | 20 | the shoemaker's trade | - |
| shopwindow | 22 | a window of a store facing onto the street; used to display merchandise for sale in the store | - |
| shrewdness | 17 | intelligence manifested by being astute (as in business dealings) | - |
| shutterbug | 16 | a photography enthusiast | - |
| shabracque | 26 | - | - |
| shacktowns | 22 | - | - |
| shadbushes | 19 | - | - |
| shadchanim | 21 | - | - |
| shadkhanim | 23 | - | - |
| shadowcast | 19 | - | - |
| shadowiest | 17 | - | - |
| shadowings | 18 | - | - |
| shadowlike | 21 | - | - |
| shaganappi | 18 | - | - |
| shagginess | 15 | roughness of nap produced by long woolly hairs | - |
| shaggymane | 20 | common edible mushroom having an elongated shaggy white cap and black spores | - |
| shagreened | 15 | - | - |
| shagtastic | 16 | - | - |
| shakedowns | 21 | - | - |
| shakuhachi | 25 | - | - |
| shallowest | 16 | - | - |
| shallowing | 17 | - | - |
| shamanisms | 17 | - | - |
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Step into the whimsical world of words starting with SH, where the simple combination of these letters creates a symphony of sounds. From the soothing “sh” of a whisper to the robust “sh” in a shout, these words bring a playful texture to our language. Prepare to be charmed by examples like “shimmer” and “shenanigans” as we explore how these words have maneuvered their way into everyday speech and even strategic games.
About words starting with SH
The letter combination "SH" holds an esteemed position in the English language, crafting words that are not only ubiquitous but also melodious. The "sh" sound is a blend of consonants known as a digraph, where 's' and 'h' join forces to create a singular sound that's different from their individual pronunciations. This digraph lends itself to a variety of word formations, often contributing a soft, hushing sound. Words like "she" or "shoe" exemplify this effect, offering a gentle start that conveys familiarity and comfort.
Words beginning with SH are frequently found across multiple contexts, whether describing actions, objects, or concepts. The sound often implies smoothness or secrecy, as seen in words like "shimmer" and "shadow," where the pronunciation mirrors the subtlety of their meanings. The versatility of this digraph makes it pivotal in constructing words that are both functional and phonetically appealing, enriching the language with a distinctive auditory element.
Popular word examples
Let's dive into some popular examples that demonstrate the charm and utility of words starting with SH.
Shimmer
- Definition: To shine with a flickering or wavering light.
- Example in a Sentence: The lake began to shimmer under the moonlight.
- Fun Fact: "Shimmer" comes from the Old English word "scimerian," meaning to gleam faintly.
Shadow
- Definition: A dark area produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
- Example in a Sentence: The tall tree cast a long shadow on the ground.
- Fun Fact: Shadows have been used in art and storytelling for centuries to symbolize mystery and the unknown.
Shout
- Definition: To utter a loud call or cry.
- Example in a Sentence: She had to shout over the noise of the crowd to be heard.
- Fun Fact: The word "shout" dates back to the 14th century, derived from the Old Norse word "skuta."
Shelter
- Definition: A place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger.
- Example in a Sentence: We took shelter under the old oak tree during the storm.
- Fun Fact: "Shelter" originates from the Middle English "sheltron," meaning a roof or cover.
Shuffle
- Definition: To walk by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully from the ground.
- Example in a Sentence: He shuffled across the room in his slippers.
- Fun Fact: Card players often shuffle the deck to ensure randomness in dealing.
Shine
- Definition: To emit light or be bright due to reflected light.
- Example in a Sentence: The sun will shine over the hills at dawn.
- Fun Fact: "Shine" has been used metaphorically since the 12th century, extending its meaning beyond literal brightness.
Shrink
- Definition: To become smaller in size or amount.
- Example in a Sentence: Wool sweaters tend to shrink when washed in hot water.
- Fun Fact: The psychological term "shrink" for a therapist comes from the idea of "head-shrinking" in tribal societies.
Shiver
- Definition: To shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold or frightened.
- Example in a Sentence: The cold wind made her shiver despite her warm coat.
- Fun Fact: The phrase "shiver me timbers" gained popularity through pirate lore and literature.
Shallow
- Definition: Of little depth.
- Example in a Sentence: The water is too shallow for diving.
- Fun Fact: "Shallow" can also refer to a superficial understanding or lack of depth in character.
Sheep
- Definition: A domesticated ruminant animal with a thick woolly coat, kept for its wool or meat.
- Example in a Sentence: The flock of sheep grazed peacefully on the hillside.
- Fun Fact: Sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated by humans over 10,000 years ago.
High-scoring scrabble examples
When it comes to Scrabble, words starting with SH can boost your score significantly. Here's a list of high-scoring options:
| Word | Scrabble Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Shiver | 12 | To shake slightly and uncontrollably. |
| Shrimp | 13 | A small crustacean used as seafood. |
| Shroud | 10 | Cloth used to wrap a body for burial. |
| Shriek | 13 | A high-pitched piercing sound or cry. |
| Shackle | 16 | To restrain or confine with chains. |
Popular 5-letter words for Wordle
For Wordle enthusiasts, these five-letter words starting with SH could be key to your next victory:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Shade | Comparative darkness due to obstruction of light. |
| Share | To give a portion of something to others. |
| Shark | A large marine predator with sharp teeth. |
| Sheep | A wool-producing farm animal. |
| Shell | The hard protective outer case of a mollusk. |
Unusual and rare word examples
For those who love the obscure, here are some unusual or rare words starting with SH:
Shemozzle
- Definition: A state of chaos or confusion.
- Interesting Fact: "Shemozzle" likely comes from Yiddish origins, blending cultural influences into English.
- Example in a Sentence: The event turned into a complete shemozzle when the speakers arrived late.
Shibboleth
- Definition: A custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular group or class of people.
- Interesting Fact: Originally a Hebrew word used as a test to identify members of a group.
- Example in a Sentence: The outdated dress code was considered a shibboleth of the old regime.
Shilly-shally
- Definition: To show indecision or hesitation.
- Interesting Fact: Originates from the reduplication of the phrase "shall I, shall I?"
- Example in a Sentence: Stop shilly-shallying and make a decision already!
Shantung
- Definition: A type of silk fabric with a subtly textured surface.
- Interesting Fact: Named after the Shandong province in China, where the fabric was originally made.
- Example in a Sentence: The bride chose a shantung gown for its elegant simplicity.
Shillelagh
- Definition: A thick stick of blackthorn or oak used in Ireland, typically as a weapon.
- Interesting Fact: The name comes from the Shillelagh Forest in County Wicklow, Ireland.
- Example in a Sentence: He carried a shillelagh, a nod to his Irish heritage.
Final words
Words starting with SH add a delightful flair to the tapestry of language, offering intrigue and utility across various contexts. Whether you're playing a word game or simply reveling in the richness of English vocabulary, these words bring a splash of fun and sophistication to the conversation.
