shirring

noun

shirr·​ing ˈshər-iŋ How to pronounce shirring (audio)
: a decorative gathering (as of cloth) made by drawing up the material along two or more parallel lines of stitching

Illustration of shirring

Illustration of shirring

Examples of shirring in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s an adjustable self-tie bowknot, elastic shirring, and V-neck, square neck, or off-the-shoulder style options. Monica Bell, Peoplemag, 23 Jan. 2024 Her hand is undeniably romantic and feminine, as evidenced by the intricate but not overworked shirring and draping in her spring collection. José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2023 Her outré garb does still incorporate some utilitarian basics of an in-office uniform: elastic shirring for movement and abridged sleeves. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2023 The shirring design on the front and flexible fabric provide a shaping silhouette, while adjustable straps give you the right fit. Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 8 June 2023 The crisscross shirring is a fun detail that also provides a torso-slimming effect. Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping, 25 May 2022 To that end, the new OCBD features an unfused, unlined collar and cuffs, as well as a seven-button front, a straight box pleat, and six-pleat shirring at the cuffs. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2021 The menswear effect is softened with a bit of drapery, like a twist at the neck or shirring at the hips. Sharon Graubard, courant.com, 15 Aug. 2019 That elastic shirring method that took over our babydoll dresses and itty bitty tie-dye shirts has returned with a vengeance this year after a brief introduction last summer. refinery29.com, 15 May 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shirring was circa 1882

Dictionary Entries Near shirring

Cite this Entry

“Shirring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shirring. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shirring

noun
shirr·​ing ˈshər-iŋ How to pronounce shirring (audio)
: a decorative gathering (as of cloth) made by drawing up the material along two or more parallel lines of stitching
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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