shaker

1 of 2

noun (1)

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
Shaker [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
ˈshā-kə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce shaker (audio)
noun

Shakerism

2 of 2

noun (2)

Shak·​er·​ism ˈshākəˌrizəm How to pronounce Shakerism (audio)
plural -s
: the beliefs and practices of the Shakers

Examples of shaker in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.
Noun
Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 30 seconds. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 The horns section snarled, the background vocalists riffed, and Olivia picked up multiple instruments herself – the tambourine, guitar, shakers, and the piano. — Sidney Madden, VIBE.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Colorful cotton webbing brings this classic shaker silhouette firmly into the 21st century. — Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026 How to Reduce Your Sodium Intake For many people, the biggest opportunity to cut back on sodium isn’t removing the salt shaker, Roberts says. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaker

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing shaker

Rhymes for shaker

See All Rhymes for shaker

Browse Nearby Words

shakeproof
shaker
shakerag
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Cite this Entry

“Shaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaker. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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