shadier; shadiest
1
: producing or affording shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
3
a
: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable
shadily adverb
shadiness noun

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Their backyard is nice and shady. I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the back garden, for example, there’s a shady grove with hammocks and low seating that is one of the couple’s favorite places to enjoy quiet moments. Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025 Best Types of Hibiscus for Hummingbirds Hibiscus plants come in a range of options—from native perennials to tropical annuals—all of which attract hummingbirds and are suited for sunny to partly shady spaces, says Myers. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025 China Hole – Henry Coe State Park, Morgan Hill, CA Why go: This remote swimming hole in the Diablo Range requires some effort to get to — but the pay off is a quiet, shady canyon with slow-moving, swimmable water and minimal crowds. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025 Think dry stone walls, shady terraces, mature borders, and a refined entertaining area that’s equal parts peaceful and private. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shady

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shady was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

shady

adjective
shadier; shadiest
1
: casting a shadow : giving shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
a shady grove
3
: not right or honest
a shady business deal
shadily adverb
shadiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shady

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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