Shed

Definition

Shed is a term that can refer to a simple roofed structure, usually made of wood or metal, used for storage, or shelter, or to the act of discarding or casting off something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɛd/
• Respelling: SHED (as in "bed")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɛd/
• Respelling: SHED (as in "bed")

In both dialects, "shed" is pronounced with the initial "sh" sound followed by a short "e" sound, as in "bed," and ending with a "d" sound. The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with the primary stress on the entire word, as it is monosyllabic.

Etymology

The noun form, referring to a structure, is derived from Middle English "shedde," akin to Old High German "skadā," meaning separation. The verb form, referring to the act of discarding, comes from the Middle English "sheden," akin to Old High German "skadan," meaning to divide.

Derivatives

• Shedding
• Shedder
• Unshed

Synonyms

• Hut (Noun)
• Shack (Noun)

• Discard (Verb)
• Cast off (Verb)

Antonyms

• Retain (Verb)
• Keep (Verb)

Usage

The term "shed" can be used both as a noun and a verb, denoting a simple structure or the act of discarding respectively. In specific fields like animal biology, "shedding" often refers to the process where animals lose old or dead hairs or feathers.

Related Terms

• Hut
• Shack
• Cabin

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Structure: A simple roofed structure used for garden tools, bicycles, or other items.
• Example: He stored all his gardening tools in the shed at the back of his garden.

Verb

• Discarding: To have a growth or covering become detached or dropped by a natural process.
• Example: The snake shed its skin.

• Casting Off: To cast off or let fall off, as hair, feathers, etc.
• Example: The cat is shedding fur all over the house.

• Emitting: To emit or let fall, as tears.
• Example: She shed tears of joy when she heard the news.