shaker

noun

shak·​er ˈshā-kər 

1

: one that shakes: such as

a

: a utensil or machine used in shaking

cocktail shaker

b

: one that incites, promotes, or directs action

a mover and shaker

2

Shaker [from a dance with shaking movements performed as part of worship] : a member of a millenarian sect originating in England in 1747 and practicing celibacy and an ascetic communal life

Shaker adjective

Shakerism

ˈshā-kə-ˌri-zəm 

noun

Examples of shaker in a Sentence

a member of the Shakers

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s been something of a revival of interest in Shaker furniture within the design world over the past few years. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2025

The threat of a large earthquake always looms in California regardless of the appearance of small shakers. —Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025

In the early years, Shaker worship was an unbridled individual expression of spiritual enthusiasm. —Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025

The film demands plenty of its cast, including singing, dancing and getting caught in rapture, set to an unconventional soundtrack based on Shaker hymns by Oscar-winning composer Daniel Blumberg. —William Earl, Variety, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shaker

• mover and shaker
• pepper shaker

Rhymes for shaker

• breaker
• laker
• maker
• nacre
• quaker
• raker
• sacre
• taker
• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker

Kids Definition

shaker

noun

shak·​er ˈshā-kər 

1

: a utensil or machine used in shaking

2

capitalized : a member of a religious group originating in England and practicing a communal life