Definition of shy
(Entry 1 of 5)
1
: easily frightened : timid
2
: disposed to avoid a person or thing
publicity shy
3
: hesitant in committing oneself : circumspect
4
: sensitively diffident or retiring : reserved
also
: expressive of such a state or nature
a shy smile
6
: having less than the full or specified amount or number : short
just shy of six feet tall
7
: disreputable
gambling hells and shy saloons — Blackwood's
shy
verb (1)
shied; shying
Definition of shy (Entry 2 of 5)
1
: to develop or show a dislike or distaste
—usually used with from or away from an author who shies away from publicity
2
: to start suddenly aside through fright or alarm
shy
noun (1)
plural shies
Definition of shy (Entry 3 of 5)
: a sudden start aside (as from fright)
shy
verb (2)
shied; shying
Definition of shy (Entry 4 of 5)
: to make a sudden throw
: to throw (an object) with a jerk : fling
shy
noun (2)
plural shies
Definition of shy (Entry 5 of 5)
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Time Traveler for shy
The first known use of shy was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century