shuttlecock

1 of 2

noun

shut·​tle·​cock ˈshə-tᵊl-ˌkäk How to pronounce shuttlecock (audio)
: a lightweight conical object with a rounded often rubber-covered nose that is used in badminton

Illustration of shuttlecock

Illustration of shuttlecock

shuttlecock

2 of 2

verb

shuttlecocked; shuttlecocking; shuttlecocks

transitive verb

: to send or toss to and fro : bandy

Examples of shuttlecock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In addition to unusual shuttlecock pink and white blooms, its outstanding characteristic is a spreading umbrella form that quickly creates shade below its canopy. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 Nelson-Atkins’ new sculptures before the World Cup The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s shuttlecock sculptures on the outside lawns are beloved by visitors. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026 The mod detail did well to highlight the diamond brooch shaped like a badminton shuttlecock on her left shoulder. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025 This enables the bot to accurately intercept the shuttlecock, while also moving quickly and without losing its balance. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shuttlecock

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1522, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shuttlecock was in 1522

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shuttlecock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shuttlecock. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

shuttlecock

noun
shut·​tle·​cock
ˈshət-ᵊl-ˌkäk
: a small and very light cone-shaped object that is used in playing badminton

More from Merriam-Webster on shuttlecock

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster