shutter

1 of 2

noun

shut·​ter ˈshə-tər 

1

: one that shuts

2

: a usually movable cover or screen for a window or door

3

: a mechanical device that limits the passage of light

especially : a camera component that allows light to enter by opening and closing an aperture

4

: the movable louvers in a pipe organ by which the swell box is opened

shutterless

ˈshə-tər-ləs 

adjective

shutter

2 of 2

verb

shuttered; shuttering; shutters

transitive verb

1

: to close by or as if by shutters

corporations shuttering their production plants

2

: to furnish with shutters

Examples of shutter in a Sentence

Verb

They locked the doors and shuttered the windows.

They declared bankruptcy and shuttered the store.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In our Nagi Suite, soaring timber ceilings create a generous sense of space, while blonde wood panelling, woven shutters and sleek, black stone details bring the design into harmony with its natural surroundings. —Scott Campbell, theweek, 23 Dec. 2024

That red brick facade and handsome shutters hold timeless charm, but the city condo has even more delights inside. —Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024

Verb

Nordstrom announced plans last year to shutter its Canadian operations, closing all stores in the country and cutting 2,500 jobs. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

And even though the toys and games at Hendersonville Toy Company weren't damaged, the business, which lost power and WIFI in the aftermath of the storm, was shuttered for weeks. —Amy Eskind, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shutter

1 of 2 noun

shut·​ter ˈshət-ər 

1

: a movable cover for a window that swings on hinges like a door

2

: a device in a camera that opens to allow light to enter when a picture is taken

shutter

2 of 2 verb

: to close with or by shutters

kept the house shuttered