shuck

1 of 2

noun

ˈshək 

1

: shell, husk: such as

a

: the outer covering of a nut or of an ear of corn

b

: the shell of an oyster or clam

2

: something of little value

—usually used in plural

not worth shucks

shuck

2 of 2

verb

shucked; shucking; shucks

transitive verb

1

: to strip of shucks

2

a

: to peel off (something, such as clothing)

—often used with off

b

: to lay aside

—often used with off

bad habits are being shucked off

—A. W. Smith

shucker noun

Synonyms

Noun

• bagatelle
• child's play
• frippery
• nonproblem
• nothing
• picayune
• small beer
• small change
• trifle
• triviality

Verb

• bark
• flay
• hull
• husk
• peel
• shell
• skin

Examples of shuck in a Sentence

Noun

it doesn't matter shucks to her what anyone else earns

Verb

shucking peas

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pecans falling prematurely — still in shucks and green, perhaps with black blotches. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024

Additionally, a third of the nation’s cranberry crop comes from Washington State, and Long Beach visitors can walk through cranberry bogs or shuck oysters with third-generation oyster farmers. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2024

Verb

The logical showcase for Robeson’s talent was the motion picture medium, but scant options existed for a Black man unwilling to shuck and jive. —Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

Once shucked, use your clean hands to pick away any bits of shell or debris inside, then enjoy as desired. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shuck

• shuck off

Kids Definition

shuck

1 of 2 noun

ˈshək 

1

: the outer covering of a nut or of an ear of corn

2

: the shell of an oyster or clam

shuck

2 of 2 verb

1

: to remove the shucks of

2

: to throw aside

—often used with off