shimmy

verb

Definition of shimmynext
1
as in to clamber

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2
as in to tap-dance

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shimmy The trio then shimmied back on to stage, with Coughlan and Fallon embracing as the madcap segment came to an end, and the show cut to a sketch in which Coughlan sent up her film The Faraway Tree with an explicit rap for studio executives. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026 In an interview with Forbes, for instance, Generalist engineers describe the model giving a plastic bag a little shake to get a plush toy to shimmy inside, even though such a move wasn’t explicitly programmed in the training data. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026 As the objects shimmy, an umbrella emerges from behind to join in. — Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 That’s when Rannells slips on a clown mask and starts to shimmy. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shimmy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shimmy
  1. clamber
  2. boogie
  3. shinny
  4. bop
  5. skin
  6. fox-trot
  7. climb
  8. waltz
Verb
  • Naked figures embrace, argue, play and struggle, while others appear to clamber toward the sky.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • That might include debris left behind or other damages like cars dented from scores of teens clambering over them while fleeing police.
    — Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of clamber
Verb
  • Unbothered, Louis smirked at his sister and continued to boogie to the beat.
    — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 11 June 2026
  • My dad—who always loved to dance—heard the beat and began to boogie his way through the front door.
    — Ashley Parker, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of boogie
Verb
  • From here Cathedral Rock Trail steepens dramatically, shinnying up rock faces, angling from ledge to ledge.
    — Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The slippery custom began a half-century ago merely as a means to dissuade drunken daredevils from attempting to shinny up the poles in order to mingle with paying guests.
    — DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer, NOLA.com, 25 Jan. 2021
Definition of shinny
Verb
  • Prior and McGuiness, along with bullpen coach Josh Bard, bop around to different pitchers, seeing who wants to throw or if anyone needs a catch partner.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Kansas Citians soaked up the sun on Friday night, swing dancing, swaying and bopping along to Sheryl Crow on the FIFA Fan Fest stage.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of bop
Verb
  • The general public is advised to avoid close contact with armadillos, including handling, skinning or eating.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • From her home in Sedley, Virginia, Dot skinned, blanched, cooked, and packaged her signature nuts.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
Definition of skin
Verb
  • Alongside pro partner Emma Slater, Richter tangoed, quick-stepped, and fox-trotted all the way to week 9 before being eliminated — just one week shy of the semifinals.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of fox-trot
Verb
  • Temperatures and humidity begin climbing Friday before summer heat returns in full force Saturday, when highs reach around 90 degrees under a mix of sun and clouds.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Summer electric bills climb fastest when your air conditioner fights the sun.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of climb
Verb
  • Jey Uso lost to Oba Femi and decided to waltz over to SmackDown to try to get a shot at Zayn’s title.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
  • Sweden waltzed to a 5-1 victory against Tunisia in its opener, with its forward line of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres capitalizing on some poor defending.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Definition of waltz

Browse Nearby Words

shimmies
shimmy
shimmying
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Cite this Entry

“Shimmy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shimmy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shimmy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shimmy

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