shack

noun

Synonyms of shacknext
1
: hut, shanty
2
: a room or similar enclosed structure for a particular person or use
a guard shack

Examples of shack in a Sentence

an old shack in the woods a farmer's shack out in the fields that's used for lambing and as a shelter from storms
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.
And while anglers aren't out fishing in heated ice houses or mobile shacks, the surrounding area has plenty of entertainment, the list noted. Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 4 Feb. 2026 While locals may swear by roadside lobster shacks, there’s nothing wrong with splurging on the best seafood in town. Emma Simard, Saveur, 4 Feb. 2026 Enslavers’ fortunes and lives depended on being able to control the able-bodied Black men and women who outnumbered them—20, 40, 60 Black bodies crammed into slave shacks, versus maybe a dozen white family members in the big house. Eugene Robinson, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2026 Beyond these road trips, there are plenty of amazing ways to explore the country by car from eating your way across North Carolina and South Carolina to taking in the breathtaking views along California's Pacific Coast, and even hopping between lobster shacks in Maine. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shack

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from English dialect shackly rickety

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shack was in 1878

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shack. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

shack

noun
1
: hut, shanty
2
: a room or similar enclosed structure for a particular person or use
a radio shack

More from Merriam-Webster on shack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster