shifts; shifted; shifting
1
: to move or to cause (something or someone) to move to a different place, position, etc.
I shifted the bag to my other shoulder.
She shifted her position slightly so she could see the stage better.
I shifted [=turned] my gaze toward the horizon.
They shifted him to a different department.
The wind shifted.
He nervously shifted from foot to foot.
She shifted in her seat.
The population is shifting [=moving] away from the city.
2
: to change or to cause (something) to change to a different opinion, belief, etc.
Public opinion has shifted dramatically in recent months.
Their efforts to shift public opinion have failed.
She refused to shift her ground. [=she refused to change her opinion]
3
: to go or to cause (something) to go from one person or thing to another
I wanted to shift the discussion back to the main point.
They tried to shift the blame onto/to us.
Their attempts at shifting attention away from the controversy seemed to be working.
The mayor plans to shift some resources to the development project.
The focus of the debate quickly shifted to more controversial topics.
shifting alliances/demands/patterns
4
US
: to change the gear you are using in a vehicle
She shifted into first gear.
I hear a loud noise when the car shifts.
She shifted the car into low gear.
5
British, informal
: to get rid of (something)
I can't seem to shift this cold.
This detergent will shift even the most stubborn stains.
plural shifts
1
a
: a change in position or direction
There will be a shift of responsibility when she takes the new position.
—often + ina shift in the wind
unpredictable shifts in weather
The shift in leadership will take place at the end of the year.
b
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: a change in how something is done or how people think about something
a shift away from tradition
a gradual shift toward more liberal policies
a shift in voter opinion
2
a
: a group of people who work together during a scheduled period of time
The day/night shift worked overtime.
The restaurant needed only one shift for lunch.
b
: the scheduled period of time during which a person works
He works the day/night shift.
waiters working long shifts
3
4
: a woman's loose, straight dress
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shift. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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