shrug

1 of 2

verb

ˈshrəg How to pronounce shrug (audio)
 especially Southern  ˈsrəg
shrugged; shrugging

intransitive verb

: to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty

transitive verb

: to lift or contract (the shoulders) especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty

shrug

2 of 2

noun

1
: an act of shrugging
2
: a woman's small waist-length or shorter jacket

Examples of shrug in a Sentence

Verb I asked if he wanted to go out to dinner, and he just shrugged. He just shrugged his shoulders.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Experts who track the approach of new models throw their hands up and shrug when asked about Jaguar. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 9 Nov. 2024 Some of the men shrugged, a few others grunted, and most walked away. Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
The Reformation collaborator styled the frock with a feather shrug. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Nov. 2024 The Biden administration, which is used to this type of fire-breathing language from the Kremlin, responded with a shrug. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shrug 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English schruggen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrug was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near shrug

Cite this Entry

“Shrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrug. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shrug

verb
ˈshrəg
shrugged; shrugging
: to draw or hunch up the shoulders usually to express doubt, uncertainty, or lack of interest
shrug noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shrug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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