Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

short of

preposition

Definition of short of 

: other than especially : of a lesser degree than had few options short of replacing the motor

First Known Use of short of

1560, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about short of

Dictionary Entries near short of

shortnose gar

short oat

short octave

short of

short of breath

short of the mark

short-oil

Statistics for short of

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for short of

The first known use of short of was in 1560

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on short of

See words that rhyme with short of

Comments on short of

What made you want to look up short of? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games