shoulda

pronunciation spelling

used for "should have" or "should've" in informal speech and in representations of such speech
"They shoulda been here by now."
"I shoulda quit while I was ahead."

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoulda was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shoulda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoulda. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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