shuck

1 of 2

noun

ˈshək 

1

: shell, husk: such as

a

: the outer covering of a nut or of an ear of corn

b

: the shell of an oyster or clam

2

: something of little value

—usually used in plural

not worth shucks

shuck

2 of 2

verb

shucked; shucking; shucks

transitive verb

1

: to strip of shucks

2

a

: to peel off (something, such as clothing)

—often used with off

b

: to lay aside

—often used with off

bad habits are being shucked off

—A. W. Smith

shucker noun

Synonyms

Noun

• bagatelle
• child's play
• frippery
• nonproblem
• nothing
• picayune
• small beer
• small change
• trifle
• triviality

Verb

• bark
• flay
• hull
• husk
• peel
• shell
• skin

Examples of shuck in a Sentence

Noun

it doesn't matter shucks to her what anyone else earns

Verb

shucking peas

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pecans falling prematurely — still in shucks and green, perhaps with black blotches. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024

Additionally, a third of the nation’s cranberry crop comes from Washington State, and Long Beach visitors can walk through cranberry bogs or shuck oysters with third-generation oyster farmers. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2024

Verb

Fresh oysters: The recipe calls for one cup fresh oysters, which is about 12 large oysters shucked or two 8 oz. containers, drained. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024

Other holiday highlights include a picanha carving station, fresh oysters shucked to order, a dessert bar and more. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shuck

• shuck off

Kids Definition

shuck

1 of 2 noun

ˈshək 

1

: the outer covering of a nut or of an ear of corn

2

: the shell of an oyster or clam

shuck

2 of 2 verb

1

: to remove the shucks of

2

: to throw aside

—often used with off