To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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 froman 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)
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share shy
Time Traveler for shy
The first known use of shy was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century