Definition of shambles
1
archaic
:a meat market
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of shambles
Middle English shameles, plural of schamel vendor's table, footstool, from Old English sceamol stool, from Latin scamillum, diminutive of scamnum stool, bench; perhaps akin to Sanskrit skambha pillar
SHAMBLES Defined for English Language Learners
shambles
play
noun
Definition of shambles for English Language Learners
-
: a place or state in which there is great confusion, disorder, or destruction
SHAMBLES Defined for Kids
shambles
play
noun plural
sham·bles
\
ˈsham-bəlz
\
Definition of shambles for Students
:a place or scene of disorder or destruction
- After the party, the house was a shambles.
Learn More about shambles
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shambles Spanish Central: Translation of shambles Nglish: Translation of shambles for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up shambles? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!