Definition of shade
1 a
: comparative darkness or obscurity owing to interception of the rays of light
b
: relative obscurity or retirement
2 a
: shelter (as by foliage) from the heat and glare of sunlight
b
: a place sheltered from the sun
3
: an evanescent or unreal appearance
5 a
: 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
7 a
: the reproduction of the effect of shade in painting or drawing
b
: a subdued or somber feature
8 a
: a color produced by a pigment or dye mixture having some black in it
b
: a color slightly different from the one under consideration
9 a
: 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
