SHOULDER | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Shoulder

Shoulder

shoul·der

Definition/Meaning

(noun)

the joint in the upper body that connects the forelimb (arms in humans) to the body, including the area between this joint and the neck;

e.g. He had his backpack over one shoulder so that he could look for something in it.

(noun)

the part of one's body that includes the upper arms, the upper back, and the joints that connect the arms to the body, or the part of a piece of clothing that covers this region of the body (usually used in the plural as "shoulders");

e.g. She had strong shoulders due to the exercises she did.

(noun)

something that resembles the joint between the arm and the body in form, structure, or function, such as the slope found at the edge of a hill or plateau or a strip of ground just next to a road;

e.g. They pulled themselves over the shoulder and onto the top of the rock. We can stop in the shoulder to see why the car's engine is making sounds.

(noun)

figuratively, a person's capacity for taking on blame or responsibility or bearing struggle or hardship (usually used in the plural as "shoulders");

e.g. I place the blame on his shoulders, since he is responsible for this accident.

(verb)

to carry something by placing it on one's shoulders, especially when the thing is heavy;

e.g. He helped me shoulder the heavy bag and regain my balance.

(verb)

to take on the responsibility or blame for something, or to accept some burden;

e.g. She agreed to shoulder the task of making sure the children were ready on time.

(verb)

to use one's shoulder to push someone/something, or to move forward by clearing a path using such a method;