shuts; shut; shutting
1
a
: to close (something)
Please shut the door/window/lid/drawer.
He shut his eyes and went to sleep.
She shut the book loudly.
I accidentally shut the door on her fingers.
b
: to become closed
flowers that shut at night
The door shut slowly behind me.
2
: to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time or forever : close
The owner is shutting the pub for the weekend.
They plan to shut the factory by the end of the year.
(Brit) The restaurant shuts [=closes] at 11.
1
: not open : closed
She listened to the music with her eyes shut.
The door slammed shut.
Check to make sure that all the windows are shut.
2
British
: not operating or open to the public
The store is shut [=closed] for remodeling.
Cite this Entry
“Shut.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shut. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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