shocker

noun shock·er \ ˈshä-kər \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of shocker

: one that shocks; especially : something horrifying or offensive (such as a sensational film or work of fiction)

See shocker defined for English-language learners

Examples of shocker in a Sentence

The ending of the movie is a real shocker.
Their divorce was a shocker.

Recent Examples of shocker from the Web

Sunday's London derby result proved an absolute shocker for both Chelsea and Spurs fans.

— SI.com, "Unrealistic Expectations: How Antonio Conte's Success at Chelsea Shaped His Fate & Likely Departure," 3 Apr. 2018
Browse photos above to see Baltimore Sun reporter Andy Knobel's look at five NCAA men's basketball shockers through the years with connections to the state of Maryland.

— don markus, baltimoresun.com, "Going back to his years in Baltimore, Kansas State point guard Kamau Stokes has been a big-game hunter," 22 Mar. 2018
This is why Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has been so quiet: This trade, a shocker, as all the best trades tend to be.

— gregg doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Chris Ballard cashes in on trade, now must make it pay off in NFL draft," 17 Mar. 2018
Grey's Anatomy just delivered a major shocker to its core base.

— lesley goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Grey's Anatomy': Jessica Capshaw, Sarah Drew to Exit After Season 14," 8 Mar. 2018
This year, the Americans won three medals — two by UAA sophomore Hailey Swirbul, plus Saturday's shocker in the boys relay.

— beth bragg, Anchorage Daily News, "‘Unbelievable’ effort puts Alaska boys on podium at World Junior relay race," 4 Feb. 2018
Alpine Valley Music Theatre lost a Dave Matthews Band show to Summerfest this year — a shocker considering DMB has played the East Troy amphitheater more than any other act over the past 15 years.

— piet levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Dead & Company at Alpine Valley," 18 Jan. 2018
Arizona’s first-round loss was a shocker, but the conference’s overall showing wasn’t the least bit surprising ...

— bruce jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bruce Jenkins: New rules insult the grand old game," 16 Mar. 2018
As directed by Eric England and written by Anthony Ragnone II, the answer to that question is revealed in a signaled, would-be shocker ending diminished by stiff dialogue and a plodding pace that appears to have taken its lead from Hank's tortoises.

— michael rechtshaffen, latimes.com, "Nice turn by Dylan McDermott wasted in dramatic thriller 'Josie'," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shocker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shocker

circa 1824

in the meaning defined above

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SHOCKER Defined for English Language Learners

shocker

noun

Definition of shocker for English Language Learners

: something that shocks people

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