1
always used before a noun
—used to emphasize the large amount, size, or degree of something
The sheer amount of work was staggering.
The sheer number of questions overwhelmed her.
The sheer force of the wind knocked me to the ground.
2
always used before a noun
: complete and total
sheer [=utter] nonsense
sheer [=pure] luck/coincidence/joy
3
: very steep : almost straight up and down
a sheer drop to the sea
sheer cliffs/walls
4
: very thin
sheer stockings/curtains
: straight up or down
mountains rising sheer from the plains
sheers; sheered; sheering
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to turn suddenly
The boat sheered [=swerved] away from the rocks.
Cite this Entry
“Sheer.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/sheer. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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