shake·down
ˈshāk-ˌdau̇n 
1
: an improvised bed (such as one made up on the floor)
2
: a boisterous dance
4
: a thorough search
5
: a process or period of adjustment
6
: a testing under operating conditions of something new (such as a ship) for possible faults and defects and for familiarizing the operators with it
shook down; shaken down; shaking down; shakes down
1
a
: to take up temporary quarters
b
: to occupy an improvised or makeshift bed
2
a
: to become accustomed especially to new surroundings or duties
b
: to settle down
1
: to obtain money from in a deceitful, contemptible, or illegal manner
racketeers shaking down store owners for protection
2
: to make a thorough search of
3
: to bring about a reduction of
4
: to give a shakedown test to
shook down the vessel before its maiden voyage
Examples of shakedown in a Sentence
Noun
He was the victim of a shakedown by a street gang.
The guards conducted a shakedown of the prisoners' cells to look for weapons.
They're putting the system through a shakedown.
Verb
the rumor is that he started his career shaking people down as an enforcer for the mob
Recent Examples on the Web
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
His ruling came after a prosecutor cited two reasons for seeking the dismissal — a lack of evidence proving that the crime happened, as well as the shakedown allegations.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
In 2008, federal prosecutors accused Blagojevich of turning Illinois' government into a moneymaking operation for himself by trying to, among other things, shake down a children's hospital and racetrack owners.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
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.
Noun
Miami could create additional cap space by releasing more players, restructuring more deals like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract ($19.3 million in cap space could become available in exchange for more of a cap hit in later years), and/or shakedown/release pass rusher Bradly Chubb.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
His ruling came after a prosecutor cited two reasons for seeking the dismissal — a lack of evidence proving that the crime happened, as well as the shakedown allegations.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
However, expect Mostert to be released or shaken down for a pay cut, and Jeff Wilson, who sparingly played in 2024, will be a free agent.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025
In 2008, federal prosecutors accused Blagojevich of turning Illinois' government into a moneymaking operation for himself by trying to, among other things, shake down a children's hospital and racetrack owners.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shakedown
Articles Related to shakedown
Cite this Entry
“Shakedown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shakedown. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shakedown
noun
shake·down
ˈshāk-ˌdau̇n
: a testing under operating conditions of something new (as a ship) for possible faults or for the operators to become more familiar with it
a shakedown cruise
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share