shelter

1 of 2

noun

shel·​ter ˈshel-tər 

plural shelters

1

a

: something that covers or affords protection

a bomb shelter

We made a shelter from branches.

see also fallout shelter, tax shelter

b

: an establishment providing food, protection, and temporary housing for people who need assistance

a shelter for battered women

shelters for the unhoused

c

: an establishment that houses and feeds stray or unwanted animals

a no-kill shelter

2

: a position or the state of being covered and protected (as from bad weather or danger)

We ran for shelter when the rain started.

The hikers took shelter in an abandoned cabin.

shelterless

ˈshel-tər-ləs 

adjective

shelter

2 of 2

verb

sheltered; sheltering ˈshel-t(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to constitute or provide a shelter for : protect

has led a sheltered life

2

: to place under shelter or protection

sheltered himself in a mountain cave

3

: to protect (income) from taxation

intransitive verb

: to take shelter

shelterer

ˈshel-tər-ər 

noun

Synonyms of shelter

Noun

• refuge
• sanctuary
• retreat

Verb

• protect
• refuge
• house

Examples of shelter in a Sentence

Noun

We made a shelter from branches.

a shelter for battered women

The organization provides food and shelter for homeless people.

The crowd ran for shelter when the rain started.

They sought shelter from the storm.

Verb

A cave sheltered the climbers during the storm.

They sheltered in a cave while they waited for the storm to pass.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

New York launched emergency operations Wednesday, offering free KN95 masks and opening shelter space. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 17 July 2026

To make matters worse, some relatives of missing children have received false information claiming the children were rescued alive, are staying in shelters for displaced residents or were transferred to other parts of the country. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Verb

The organization is also preparing to open up a family lodge that can temporarily shelter 45 families at a time on July 21. — Julianna Mejia july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1590, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing shelter

• fallout shelter
• find/take shelter
• shelter half
• shelter-in-place
• shelter tent
• tax shelter

Rhymes for shelter

• belter
• melter
• skelter
• smelter
• spelter
• welter

Kids Definition

shelter

1 of 2 noun

shel·​ter ˈshel-tər 

1

a

: something that covers or protects

an air raid shelter

a fallout shelter

b

: a place that provides food and lodging (as to the homeless)

c

: a place that houses and feeds stray or unwanted animals

2

: the state of being protected

take shelter from a storm

shelter

2 of 2 verb

sheltered; sheltering -t(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to be a shelter for : provide with shelter

2

: to find and use a shelter