English Explanatory Dictionary

shanty

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A roughly-built hut or cabin.
  2. A rudimentary or improvised dwelling, especially one not legally owned.
  3. An unlicensed pub.
adj
  1. Living in shanties; poor, ill-mannered and violent.
verb
  1. To inhabit a shanty.
noun
  1. A rhythmic work song, traditionally sung by sailors or stevedores, functioning to set the pace for hauling, turning a capstan, loading, or other such activities.
adj
  1. Jaunty; showy.

Pronunciation

/ˈʃænti/ en-au-shanty.ogg

Word forms

shanty shanties shantying shantied shantey chanty chantey more shanty most shanty

Etymology

From Canadian French chantier (“lumberjack's headquarters”). An alternative theory that the word derives from Irish seantí (meaning "old house") is not considered likely by lexicologists. * (unlicensed pub): New Zealand from 1848.

Synonyms

shack hovel speakeasy sea shanty

Derived words

Big Shanty claim shanty grog shanty shanty back shanty boy shanty-keeper shantylike shantyman shanty town shantytown sugar shanty
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