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

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.
The kitchen has white shaker cabinetry, marble countertops with a waterfall edge, breakfast bar seating, Viking and Bosch appliances and a walk-in butler’s pantry with a U-Line wine cabinet. — Saleema Syed, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026 Sabbathday Lake is the last active community in what was once a constellation of Shaker sites founded by the celibate religious movement in the 18th and 19th centuries. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026 Two of the biggest head-shakers were provided by Darnold’s legs. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 There are paintings of boats and horses, and a long, no-nonsense bar top with a captain behind it constantly cracking blisteringly cold martini shakers over martini glasses. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaker. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

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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