stagger

play

verb stag·ger \ˈsta-gər\

Definition of stagger

staggered

;

staggering

play \-g(ə-)riŋ\

intransitive verb
1a : to reel from side to side : totterb : to move on unsteadily staggered toward the door
2 : to waver in purpose or action : hesitate
3 : to rock violently the ship staggered
transitive verb
1 : to cause to doubt or hesitate : perplex
2 : to cause to reel or totter
3 : to arrange in any of various zigzags, alternations, or overlappings of position or time stagger work shifts stagger teeth on a cutter

staggerer

play \-gər-ər\ noun

See stagger defined for English-language learners

See stagger defined for kids

Examples of stagger in a sentence

She staggered over to the sofa.
A hard slap on the back staggered him.
It staggers me to see how much money they've spent on this project.
They staggered the runners' starting positions.

Origin and Etymology of stagger

alteration of earlier stacker, from Middle English stakeren, from Old Norse stakra, frequentative of staka to push; perhaps akin to Old English staca stake — more at stake

First Known Use: 15th century

stagger

noun stag·ger

Definition of stagger

1 staggers plural in form but singular or plural in construction : an abnormal condition of domestic animals associated with damage to the central nervous system and marked by incoordination and a reeling unsteady gait
2 : a reeling or unsteady gait or stance
3 : an arrangement in which the leading edge of the upper wing of a biplane is advanced over that of the lower

See stagger defined for English-language learners

Examples of stagger in a sentence

He walked with a slight stagger.

1577

First Known Use of stagger

1577

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

stagger

adjective stag·ger

Definition of stagger

: marked by an alternating or overlapping pattern

1918

First Known Use of stagger

1918

STAGGER Defined for English Language Learners

stagger

play

verb stag·ger \ˈsta-gər\

Definition of stagger for English Language Learners

: to move or cause (someone) to move unsteadily from side to side
: to shock or surprise (someone) very much
: to arrange (things) in a series of different positions or times

stagger

noun stag·ger

Definition of stagger for English Language Learners

: an unsteady movement while walking or standing

STAGGER Defined for Kids

stagger

play

verb stag·ger \ˈsta-gər\

Definition of stagger for Students

staggered

;

staggering

1 : to move or cause to move unsteadily from side to side as if about to fall : reel He staggered under the load's weight.
2 : to cause or feel great surprise or shock The news staggered me.
3 : to arrange or be arranged in a zigzag but balanced way She stared at the dark brown and purple ridges staggered in the distance … — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising