shindig

noun

shin·​dig ˈshin-ˌdig How to pronounce shindig (audio)
1
a
: a social gathering with dancing
b
: a usually large or lavish party
2

Did you know?

At a glance, shindig appears to combine shin and dig, and thus might seem to suggest a painful kick to the leg—especially when you know that one of the first senses of shindig in English refers to a gathering at which people dance. It is more likely, however, that shindig is an alteration of shindy, which is itself the alteration of another word, shinny, used of a variation of hockey that is played with a curved stick and a ball or block of wood. It's not entirely clear how the game of shinny gave shindy its first meaning (the "social gathering with dancing" meaning that is also the original meaning of shindig) but shinny remains the most likely origin.

Examples of shindig in a Sentence

we're hosting a little shindig this weekend for some friends
Recent Examples on the Web One Minnesotan couple elevated the unveiling of the state's new flag Saturday with a shindig. James Powel, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024 Perhaps the mother of two decided to hang out in the warm weather and not fly off to the over-the-top shindig. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for shindig 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shindig.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of shindy

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shindig was in 1842

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Dictionary Entries Near shindig

Cite this Entry

“Shindig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shindig. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

shindig

noun
shin·​dig ˈshin-ˌdig How to pronounce shindig (audio)
: a big fancy party
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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