shaker

noun

shak·​er ˈshā-kər How to pronounce shaker (audio)
1
: one that shakes: such as
a
: a utensil or machine used in shaking
cocktail shaker
b
: one that incites, promotes, or directs action
a mover and shaker
2
Shaker [from a dance with shaking movements performed as part of worship] : a member of a millenarian sect originating in England in 1747 and practicing celibacy and an ascetic communal life
Shaker adjective
Shakerism noun

Examples of shaker in a Sentence

a member of the Shakers
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.
Furthermore, through a microscope it could be seen that particles of simulant had been weathered in the shaker. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2026 For the first time under Eddie Howe’s management, Newcastle have lost three successive Premier League matches on Tyneside, a faith-shaker for a club which prides itself on making journeys north uncomfortable for their opponents. George Caulkin, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026 There’s been some noise that Shakers is going to turn into some kind of condo development. Eric Ducker, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Simple Instructions Combine all the ingredients and fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaker

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaker was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaker. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

shaker

noun
shak·​er ˈshā-kər How to pronounce shaker (audio)
1
: a utensil or machine used in shaking
2
capitalized : a member of a religious group originating in England and practicing a communal life

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