Shakespearean

1 of 2

adjective

Shake·​spear·​ean shāk-ˈspir-ē-ən 

variants or Shakespearian or less commonly Shaksperean or Shaksperian

1

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Shakespeare or his writings

2

: evocative of a theme, setting, or event from a work of Shakespeare

Shakespearean pageantry

Shakespearean

2 of 2

noun

variants or Shakespearian or less commonly Shaksperean or Shaksperian

: an authority on or devotee of Shakespeare

Examples of Shakespearean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Shakespearean parallels end with the premise of filial revenge, though, and cheap thrills overshadow what otherwise could be a deeper exploration of generational cycles of violence. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

The noted Shakespearean would go on to cofound the English Shakespeare Company, receive an honorary associate artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company and star in several productions with Dame Judi Dench. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 11 May 2026

This means that dialogue in both versions uses Early Modern English (in other words, Shakespearean English). — PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025

Hamnet follows the untold love story behind the classic Shakespearean play Hamlet, with Mescal as the famed playwright and Buckley as Agnes. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1733, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Shakespearean

• Shakespearean sonnet

Rhymes for Shakespearean

• assyrian
• counterion
• criterion
• hyperion
• iberian
• illyrian
• mousterian
• shakespearian
• hanoverian
• presbyterian
• virion

Kids Definition

Shakespearean

adjective

Shake·​spear·​ean

variants or Shakespearian

shāk-ˈspir-ē-ən

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare or his writings