26984 words

shoulder

14 definitions • 19 examples
1
one of the two parts of the body at each side of the neck that join the arms to the rest of the body:

Examples:

I rested my head on her shoulder.
Then she put her arm around my shoulder and gave me a kiss.
She glanced nervously over her shoulder to make sure no one else was listening.
2
the top part of a person's back:

Examples:

He was about six feet tall with broad shoulders.
"I don't know what to do about it," said Martha, shrugging her shoulders.
3
the parts of a piece of clothing that cover the wearer's shoulders:

Examples:

The shoulders look a little tight. Do you want to try a larger size?
4
the part of a bottle that curves out below its opening
5
used to refer to the responsibility that someone has or feels for something:

Examples:

A huge burden was lifted from my shoulders (= I became much less worried) when I told my parents about my problem.
Responsibility for the dispute rests squarely on the shoulders of the president.
6
a piece of meat that includes the upper part of an animal's front leg:

Examples:

I've bought a shoulder of lamb for Sunday lunch.
7
an area along the side of a main road where cars can stop:

Examples:

There were tire tracks left in the soft shoulder (= area of dirt or grass by the road).
8
to accept that you are responsible for something bad or difficult:

Examples:

It is women who mainly shoulder responsibility for the care of elderly and disabled relatives.
Teachers cannot be expected to shoulder all the blame for poor exam results.
9
to put something on your shoulders to carry it:

Examples:

Shouldering her pack, she strode off up the road.
10
to push something with one of your shoulders:

Examples:

She was carrying two suitcases and had to shoulder the door open.
He shouldered his way (= formed a way through by pushing with his shoulders) to the front of the crowd to get a better look.
11
one of the two rounded, bony parts of a person’s body on either side of the neck where the top of the arm is joined:

Examples:

She put her head on my shoulder.
12
A shoulder of a road is an edge just beyond the part you drive along, where you can stop safely.
13
to accept responsibility for something:

Examples:

It is usually women who shoulder the responsibility for the care of elderly relatives.
14
to put something on your shoulders to carry it:

Examples:

Shouldering her pack, she strode off up the road.

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