plural shafts
1
: the long, narrow part of a weapon, tool, instrument, etc.
the shaft of a spear
the shaft of a golf club
2
: a bar in a machine which holds or turns other parts that move or spin
a propeller shaft
3
: one of two poles between which a horse is tied to pull a vehicle (such as a carriage)
4
a
: an opening or passage straight down through the floors of a building
an air/elevator shaft
b
: an opening or passage in a mine
a mine shaft
5
formal + literary
: a narrow beam of light
They stood in a shaft of sunlight.
6
US, informal
: harsh or unfair treatment
Her boss really gave her the shaft [=treated her unfairly] when he promoted someone less experienced instead of her.
He got promoted and she got the shaft.
shafts; shafted; shafting
chiefly US, informal
: to treat (someone) unfairly or harshly
You really got shafted in that deal.
Cite this Entry
“Shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shaft. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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