shape-shifter

noun

shape-shift·​er ˈshāp-ˌshif-tər How to pronounce shape-shifter (audio)
: one that seems able to change form or identity at will
especially : a mythical figure that can assume different forms (as of animals)
shape-shift intransitive verb

Examples of shape-shifter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The title character of Nimona is a redheaded shape-shifter (Chloë Grace Moretz) who befriends outcast knight Sir Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) after the latter is framed for the murder of the queen (Lorraine Toussaint). Christian Holub, EW.com, 30 June 2023 During that war, shape-shifter Fae from another world (all of whom could turn into animals) appeared on Midgard. Megan McCluskey, TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 The disease is caused by a parasite that is something of a shape-shifter. Maryn McKenna, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2023 McCarthy had the support of the vast majority of his party, but its hard-right members, including Gaetz, who became McCarthy’s most potent nemesis, viewed him more as a shape-shifter than a man of conviction who would propel a radical agenda. Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2023 Shigidi and Nneoma are both shape-shifters, appearing as whatever humans desire or fear, which makes real intimacy between them challenging. Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023 One of the older companies in crypto, Ripple has been a continuous shape-shifter since its launch in 2012, when its founders created the cryptocurrency XRP. Ben Weiss, Fortune Crypto, 8 Sep. 2023 Thile takes that a big step further, making the mandolin an outright shape-shifter. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2023 Advertisement Throughout the two decades since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq overthrew President Saddam Hussein, Sadr has been something of a political shape-shifter, positioning himself variously as a sectarian militia leader, a revolutionary figure and a nationalist who could unify the country. Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 20 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shape-shifter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shape-shifter was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near shape-shifter

Cite this Entry

“Shape-shifter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape-shifter. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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