Definition of shade
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: comparative darkness or obscurity owing to interception of the rays of light
b
: relative obscurity or retirement
2a
: shelter (as by foliage) from the heat and glare of sunlight
b
: a place sheltered from the sun
3
: an evanescent or unreal appearance
5a
: a disembodied spirit : ghost
b
—used to signal the similarity between a previously encountered person or situation and one at hand —usually used in plural shades of my childhood
6
: something that intercepts or shelters from light, sun, or heat: such as
a
: a device partially covering a lamp so as to reduce glare
b
: a flexible screen usually mounted on a roller for regulating the light or the view through a window
7a
: the reproduction of the effect of shade in painting or drawing
b
: a subdued or somber feature
8a
: a color produced by a pigment or dye mixture having some black in it
b
: a color slightly different from the one under consideration
9a
: a minute difference or variation : nuance
b
: a minute degree or quantity
10
: a facial expression of sadness or displeasure
throw shade
US slang
: to express contempt or disrespect for someone publicly especially by subtle or indirect insults or criticisms
Christopher Oram's elegant set is a pillared palazzo; at cafe tables wasp-waisted women sip tiny cups of espresso and throw shade at their rivals from behind dark glasses …— Sam Marlowe
shade
verb
shaded; shading
Definition of shade (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: to shelter or screen by intercepting radiated light or heat
b
: to cover with a shade
2
: to hide partly by or as if by a shadow
3
: to darken with or as if with a shadow
4
: to better or exceed by a shade
5a
: to represent the effect of shade or shadow on
b
: to add shading to
c
: to color so that the shades pass gradually from one to another
6
: to change by gradual transition or qualification
7
: to reduce slightly
shade a price
1
: to pass by slight changes or imperceptible degrees
2
: to undergo or exhibit minute difference or variation
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for shade
The first known use of shade was before the 12th century
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