shaker

noun

shak·​er ˈshā-kər How to pronounce shaker (audio)
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
capitalized [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 noun

Examples of shaker in a Sentence

a member of the Shakers
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.
The Shakers made money by manufacturing and selling furniture, but did not require money from their constituents to be part of the Shaker movement. Barry Levitt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 The music, much of it consisting of Shaker spirituals rearranged by Daniel Blumberg (who won an Oscar for last year’s The Brutalist, directed by Fastvold’s husband and co-writer Brady Corbet), is lyrical, emotional, sometimes even angry. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025 In a jar or salad dressing shaker, stir together almond butter, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, coconut aminos, lime juice and red pepper flakes. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025 Muddle blackberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shaker

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaker was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaker. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

shaker

noun
shak·​er ˈshā-kər How to pronounce shaker (audio)
1
: a utensil or machine used in shaking
2
capitalized : a member of a religious group originating in England and practicing a communal life

More from Merriam-Webster on shaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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