Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense shadows, present participle shadowing, past tense, past participle shadowed
1. countable noun
A shadow is a dark shape on a surface that is made when something stands between a light and the surface.
An oak tree cast its shadow over a tiny round pool.
Nothing would grow in the shadow of the grey wall. [+ of]
All he could see was his shadow.
Synonyms: silhouette, shape, outline, profile More Synonyms of shadow
2. uncountable noun [oft inNOUN]
Shadow is darkness in a place caused by something preventing light from reaching it.
Most of the lake was in shadow.
...a combination of light and shadow.
Synonyms: shade, dimness, darkness, gloom More Synonyms of shadow
3. verb
If something shadows a thing or place, it covers it with a shadow.
The hood shadowed her face. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: shade, screen, shield, darken More Synonyms of shadow
4. verb
If someone shadows you, they follow you very closely wherever you go.
The supporters are being shadowed by a large and highly visible body of police. [beVERB-ed]
Synonyms: follow, track, pursue, dog More Synonyms of shadow
5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
A British Member of Parliament who is a member of the shadow cabinet or who is a shadow cabinet minister belongs to the main opposition party and takes a special interest in matters which are the responsibility of a particular government minister.
...the shadow chancellor.
Shadow is also a noun.
Clarke swung at his shadow the accusation that he was 'a tabloid politician'.
6.
See a shadow of a doubt
7.
See in sb's shadow/ in the shadow of sb
8.
See be a shadow of one's former self
More Synonyms of shadow
shadow in British English
(ˈʃædəʊ)
noun
1.
a dark image or shape cast on a surface by the interception of light rays by an opaque body
2.
an area of relative darkness
3.
the dark portions of a picture
4.
a hint, image, or faint semblance
beyond a shadow of a doubt
5.
a remnant or vestige
a shadow of one's past self
6.
a reflection
7.
a threatening influence; blight
a shadow over one's happiness
8.
a spectre
9.
an inseparable companion
10.
a person who trails another in secret, such as a detective
11. medicine
a dark area on an X-ray film representing an opaque structure or part
12.
(in Jungian psychology) the archetype that represents humankind's animal ancestors
13. archaic or rare
protection or shelter
14. (modifier) British
designating a member or members of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power
shadow Chancellor
shadow cabinet
15. (modifier)
denoting the activities of financial institutions that do not accept deposits from investors
shadow banking
verb(transitive)
16.
to cast a shadow over
17.
to make dark or gloomy; blight
18.
to shade from light
19.
to follow or trail secretly
20. (often foll by forth)
to represent vaguely
21. painting, drawing another word for shade (sense 14)
Derived forms
shadower (ˈshadower)
noun
shadowless (ˈshadowless)
adjective
Word origin
Old English sceadwe, oblique case of sceadushade; related to Dutch schaduw
shadow in American English
(ˈʃædoʊ)
noun
1.
a definite area of shade cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the light rays
2.
the dark image made by such a body
3. [pl.]
the growing darkness after sunset
4.
a.
a feeling of gloom or depression, a suggestion of doubt, etc.
b.
anything causing gloom, doubt, etc.
5.
a shaded area in a picture or X-ray
6.
a dark area, as of a very short growth of beard
7.
a mirrored image; reflection
8.
a.
something without reality or substance; imaginary vision
b.
a ghost; apparition
9.
a vague indication or omen; prefiguration
coming events cast their shadows before
10.
a.
a faint suggestion or appearance; trace
not a shadow of hope
b.
remnant; vestige
a mere shadow of his former self
11.
a close or constant companion
12. US
a person who trails another closely, as a detective or spy
13. Rare
protection or shelter
verb transitive
14. Archaic
a.
to shelter from light or heat
b.
to shelter; protect
15.
to throw a shadow upon
16.
to make dark or gloomy; cloud
17.
to represent vaguely, mystically, or prophetically; prefigure
often with forth
18.
to stay close to or follow, esp. in secret so as to observe the movements and activities of
verb intransitive
19.
to change gradually
20.
to become shadowy or clouded (with doubt, sorrow, etc.)
said of the features
adjective
21.
of or belonging to a shadow cabinet
a shadow minister
22.
darker, indistinct, not plainly perceived, etc.
Idioms:
in the shadow of
under the shadow of
Derived forms
shadower (ˈshadower)
noun
shadowless (ˈshadowless)
adjective
Word origin
ME schadwe < inflected forms (gen. & dat. sceadwe) of OE sceadu, shade
More idioms containing
shadow
afraid of your own shadow
cast a long shadow over something
a shadow of someone's or something's former self
COBUILD Collocations
shadow
look a shadow of
Examples of 'shadow' in a sentence
shadow
But that shadow is always going to be there.
The Sun (2011)
Stay in that area while you shadow box.
The Sun (2009)
Shadow cabinet members complain that their meetings lack structure.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We should go down in history for what we have done without a shadow of doubt.
The Sun (2016)
Neither casts much of a shadow beyond the party.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It will fuel speculation that the shadow business secretary is positioning himself as a leadership contender.
The Sun (2013)
The shadow government is not limited to justice.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Five members of the shadow cabinet suggested that he should be thrown out.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Use medium to dark shadow at the outer corners.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Light and dark in my left eye and shapes and shadows in my right.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The work has since been partially restored but it remains a shadow of its former self.
The Sun (2013)
They grow up always looking from shadow into light.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Portrait photos taken there can look disappointing because bright sunlight often casts shadows on the face.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We love thee for adding a little grey eye shadow to make things look more swish and modern.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Where had my shadow side gone?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Fast-forward three months to last week and the same shadow minister was studying the bottom of his wine glass with less glee.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
See shadow puppets and look out for the Chinese horse lantern installation.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
My mind plays tricks, seeing shadows and making new shadows against the wall.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
From a personal point of view, it was tough carrying my name and following in the shadow of my dad.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
My shadow follows me as I walk westward.
Travers, P L What the Bee Knows - reflections on myth, symbol and story (1989)
As a result, they can often be gloomy, and shadows on stairs can be dangerous.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The visiting team's superior passing and movement had the home players chasing shadows and it was little surprise when the second goal arrived in the twentieth minute.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
shadow
British English: shadow /ˈʃædəʊ/ NOUN
A shadow is a dark shape on a surface that is made when something stands between a light and the surface.
An oak tree cast its shadow over a tiny round pool.
American English: shadow
Arabic: ظِلّ
Brazilian Portuguese: sombra
Chinese: 影子
Croatian: sjena
Czech: stín tvar
Danish: skygge
Dutch: schaduw
European Spanish: sombra proyección
Finnish: varjo
French: ombre
German: Schatten
Greek: ίσκιος
Italian: ombra
Japanese: 影
Korean: 그림자
Norwegian: skygge
Polish: cień
European Portuguese: sombra
Romanian: umbră
Russian: тень
Latin American Spanish: sombra
Swedish: skugga
Thai: เงา
Turkish: gölge birinin ya da bir şeyin
Ukrainian: тінь
Vietnamese: cái bóng
British English: shadow VERB
If something shadows a thing or place, it covers it with a shadow.
The hood shadowed her face.
American English: shadow
Brazilian Portuguese: sombrear
Chinese: 遮住
European Spanish: ensombrecer
French: cacher
German: beschatten
Italian: fare ombra a
Japanese: 影で覆う
Korean: 그림자를 드리우다
European Portuguese: sombrear
Latin American Spanish: ensombrecer
All related terms of 'shadow'
eye shadow
Eye shadow is a substance which you can paint on your eyelids in order to make them a different colour.
rain shadow
the relatively dry area on the leeward side of high ground in the path of rain-bearing winds
shadow-box
to practise blows and footwork against an imaginary opponent
shadow mask
a perforated metal sheet mounted close to the phosphor-dotted screen in some colour television tubes . The holes are positioned so that each of the three electron beams strikes the correct phosphor dot , producing the required colour mixture in the image
shadow play
a theatrical entertainment using shadows thrown by puppets or actors onto a lighted screen
shadow test
a procedure for detecting errors of refraction in the eye by means of an instrument ( retinoscope ) that reflects a beam of light from a mirror into the eye. Diagnosis is made by observing the areas of shadow and the direction in which the light moves when the mirror is rotated
shadow bands
slow-moving waves of light and dark observed to move across light-coloured surfaces on the earth just before and after totality in a solar eclipse . They are thought to originate from the effects of irregular atmospheric refraction
shadow boxing
Shadow boxing is a form of physical exercise or training in which you move your hands and feet as if you are boxing someone.
shadow price
the calculated price of a good or service for which no market price exists
shadow cabinet
the members of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power
shadow history
a version of historical events which differs from the official or commonly accepted record and purports to be the true version
shadow minister
a member of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold ministerial office if their party were in power
in the shadow of
very close to; verging upon
look a shadow of
You use look when describing the appearance of a person or thing or the impression that they give.
five-o'clock shadow
beard growth visible late in the day on a man's shaven face
shadow Foreign Secretary
the member of the main opposition party in Parliament who would hold the office of Foreign Secretary if their party were in power
under the shadow of
in danger of; apparently fated for
afraid of your own shadow
very timid or nervous
in sb's shadow/ in the shadow of sb
If you live in the shadow of someone or in their shadow , their achievements and abilities are so great that you are not noticed or valued .
be a shadow of one's former self
If you say that someone is a shadow of their former self , you mean that they are much less strong or capable than they used to be.
cast a long shadow over something
to have a bad influence over something that lasts for a long time
a shadow of a doubt a shadow of doubt
If you say that something is true without a shadow of a doubt or without a shadow of doubt , you are emphasizing that there is no doubt at all that it is true.
retinoscopy
a procedure for detecting errors of refraction in the eye by means of an instrument ( retinoscope ) that reflects a beam of light from a mirror into the eye. Diagnosis is made by observing the areas of shadow and the direction in which the light moves when the mirror is rotated
secret history
a version of historical events which differs from the official or commonly accepted record and purports to be the true version
a shadow of someone's or something's former self
said to mean that someone or something is much less powerful or capable than they used to be
Chinese translation of 'shadow'
shadow
(ˈʃædəu)
n
(c)影子 (yǐngzi) (个(個), gè)
(u) (= shade) 阴(陰)影 (yīnyǐng)
vt
跟踪(蹤) (gēnzōng)
cpd
(Brit, Pol)[minister, chancellor]影子 (yǐngzi)
in shadow在阴(陰)影中 (zài yīnyǐng zhōng)
in the shadow of sth在某物的影子下 (zài mǒuwù de yǐngzi xià)
in sb's shadow在某人的阴(陰)影下 (zài mǒurén de yīnyǐng xià)
without or beyond a shadow of (a) doubt毫无(無)疑问(問) (háo wú yíwèn)
All related terms of 'shadow'
in shadow
在阴(陰)影中 zài yīnyǐng zhōng
shadow cabinet
▶ the Shadow Cabinet 影子内(內)阁(閣) yǐngzi nèigé
in sb's shadow
在某人的阴(陰)影下 zài mǒurén de yīnyǐng xià
the Shadow Cabinet
影子内(內)阁(閣) yǐngzi nèigé
in the shadow of sth
在某物的影子下 zài mǒuwù de yǐngzi xià
without or beyond a shadow of (a) doubt
毫无(無)疑问(問) háo wú yíwèn
1 (noun)
Definition
a dark image or shape cast on a surface when something stands between a light and the surface
All he could see was his shadow.
Synonyms
silhouette
the dark silhouette of the castle ruins
shape
the shapes of the trees against the sky
outline
She could see only the hazy outline of the trees.
profile
His handsome profile was turned away from us.
penumbra
2 (noun)
Definition
a patch of shade
Most of the lake was in shadow.
Synonyms
shade
dimness
darkness
The room was plunged into darkness.
gloom
cover
There were barren wastes of field with no trees and no cover.
protection
Riot shields acted as protection against the attack.
shelter
the hut where they were given food and shelter
dusk (poetic)
She turned and disappeared into the dusk.
obscurity
the vast branches vanished into deep indigo obscurity above my head
gloaming (Scottish, poetic)
gathering darkness
3 (noun)
Definition
a threatening influence
The strike threw a dark shadow over the race.
Synonyms
cloud
The sun was almost entirely obscured by cloud.
threat
gloom
the gloom of a foggy November morning
sadness
It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.
blight
pall
A pall of black smoke drifted over the cliff-top.
gloominess
4 (noun)
Definition
a person less powerful or vigorous than his or her former self
He was a shadow of his former self.
Synonyms
ghost
apology
remnant
the remnants of Roman flooring
vestige
the last vestiges of a great and ancient kingdom
travesty
poor imitation
poor representation
inferior version
weak image
5 (noun)
Definition
a hint or faint trace
It was without a shadow of a doubt the best we've played.
Synonyms
trace
Wash them in cold water to remove all traces of sand.
suggestion
The power of suggestion is very strong.
hint
I glanced at her and saw no hint of irony on her face.
suspicion
large blooms of white with a suspicion of pale pink
touch
She thought she might have a touch of flu.
tinge
Could there have been a slight tinge of envy in her voice?
whiff
Not a whiff of scandal has ever tainted his private life.
jot
soupçon (French)
6 (noun)
Definition
a hint or faint trace
The faintest shadow of a frown creased that angelic face.
Synonyms
hint
I'd dropped a hint about having an exhibition of his work.
suggestion
that fashionably faint suggestion of a tan
trace
suspicion
ghost
He gave the ghost of a smile.
flicker
He felt a flicker of regret.
glimmer
Our last glimmer of hope faded.
1 (verb)
Definition
to make dark or gloomy
The hood shadowed her face.
Synonyms
shade
a health resort whose beaches are shaded by palm trees
screen
The road is screened by a block of flats.
shield
He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.
darken
A storm darkened the sky.
overhang
cast a shadow over
2 (verb)
Definition
to follow or trail secretly
shadowed by a large and highly visible body of police
Synonyms
follow
I think we're being followed.
track
He thought he had better track this creature and kill it.
pursue
She pursued the man who had stolen her bag.
dog
The three creatures had dogged him from hut to hut.
tail (informal)
Officers had tailed the gang in an undercover inquiry.
trail
Two detectives were trailing him.
stalk
Wolves stalk their prey across the tundra.
spy on
Additional synonyms
in the sense of cover
There were barren wastes of field with no trees and no cover.
Synonyms
protection,
shelter,
shield,
refuge,
defence,
woods,
guard,
sanctuary,
camouflage,
hiding place,
undergrowth,
concealment
in the sense of darken
Definition
to make or become dark or darker
A storm darkened the sky.
Synonyms
cloud,
shadow,
shade,
obscure,
eclipse,
dim,
deepen,
overshadow,
blacken,
becloud
in the sense of darkness
The room was plunged into darkness.
Synonyms
dark,
shadows,
shade,
gloom,
obscurity,
blackness,
murk,
dimness,
murkiness,
duskiness,
shadiness
Synonyms of 'shadow'
shadow
Explore 'shadow' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dog
Definition
to follow (someone) closely
The three creatures had dogged him from hut to hut.
Synonyms
pursue,
follow,
track,
chase,
shadow,
harry,
tail (informal),
trail,
hound,
stalk,
go after,
give chase to
in the sense of dusk
She turned and disappeared into the dusk.
Synonyms
shade,
darkness,
gloom,
obscurity,
murk,
shadowiness
in the sense of flicker
Definition
a brief or faint indication of emotion
He felt a flicker of regret.
Synonyms
trace,
drop,
breath,
spark,
atom,
glimmer,
vestige,
iota
in the sense of glimmer
Definition
a faint indication
Our last glimmer of hope faded.
Synonyms
trace,
ray,
suggestion,
hint,
grain,
gleam,
flicker,
inkling
in the sense of gloom
Definition
partial or total darkness
the gloom of a foggy November morning
Synonyms
darkness,
dark,
shadow,
cloud,
shade,
twilight,
dusk (poetic),
obscurity,
blackness,
dullness,
murk,
dimness,
murkiness,
cloudiness,
gloominess,
duskiness
in the sense of obscurity
the vast branches vanished into deep indigo obscurity above my head
Synonyms
darkness,
dark,
shadows,
shade,
gloom,
haze,
blackness,
murk,
dimness,
murkiness,
haziness,
duskiness,
shadiness,
shadowiness,
indistinctness
in the sense of outline
Definition
the general shape of something, esp. when only the profile and not the details are visible
She could see only the hazy outline of the trees.
Synonyms
shape,
lines,
form,
figure,
profile,
silhouette,
configuration,
contour(s),
delineation,
lineament(s)
in the sense of pall
Definition
a dark heavy covering
A pall of black smoke drifted over the cliff-top.
Synonyms
cloud,
shadow,
veil,
mantle,
shroud
in the sense of profile
Definition
an outline, esp. of the human face, as seen from the side
His handsome profile was turned away from us.
Synonyms
outline,
lines,
form,
figure,
shape,
silhouette,
contour,
side view
in the sense of protection
Definition
something that keeps (one) safe
Riot shields acted as protection against the attack.
Synonyms
armour,
cover,
screen,
barrier,
shelter,
shield,
bulwark
Additional synonyms
in the sense of pursue
Definition
to follow (a person, vehicle, or animal) in order to capture or overtake
She pursued the man who had stolen her bag.
Synonyms
follow,
track,
hunt,
chase,
dog,
attend,
shadow,
accompany,
harry,
tail (informal),
haunt,
plague,
hound,
stalk,
harass,
go after,
run after,
hunt down,
give chase to
in the sense of remnant
Definition
a surviving trace or vestige
the remnants of Roman flooring
Synonyms
remainder,
remains,
trace,
fragment,
end,
bit,
rest,
piece,
balance,
survival,
scrap,
butt,
shred,
hangover,
residue,
rump,
leftovers,
stub,
vestige,
tail end,
oddment,
residuum
in the sense of sadness
It is with a mixture of sadness and joy that I say farewell.
Synonyms
unhappiness,
sorrow,
grief,
tragedy,
depression,
the blues,
misery,
melancholy,
poignancy,
despondency,
bleakness,
heavy heart,
dejection,
wretchedness,
gloominess,
mournfulness,
dolour (poetic),
dolefulness,
cheerlessness,
sorrowfulness
in the sense of screen
Definition
to shelter, protect, or conceal with or as if with a screen
The road is screened by a block of flats.
Synonyms
cover,
hide,
conceal,
shade,
mask,
disguise,
veil,
cloak,
shroud,
camouflage,
shut out
in the sense of shape
Definition
the figure or outline of the body of a person
the shapes of the trees against the sky
Synonyms
form,
profile,
outline,
lines,
build,
cut,
figure,
structure,
appearance,
silhouette,
configuration,
contours
in the sense of shelter
Definition
the protection given by such a cover
the hut where they were given food and shelter
Synonyms
protection,
safety,
refuge,
cover,
security,
defence,
safeguarding,
sanctuary,
roof over your head
in the sense of shield
Definition
to protect, hide, or defend (someone or something) from danger or harm
He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.
Synonyms
protect,
cover,
screen,
guard,
defend,
shelter,
safeguard
in the sense of stalk
Definition
to follow (an animal or person) quietly and secretly in order to catch or kill them
Wolves stalk their prey across the tundra.
Synonyms
pursue,
follow,
track,
hunt,
shadow,
tail (informal),
haunt,
creep up on
in the sense of suggestion
The power of suggestion is very strong.
Synonyms
trace
in the sense of suggestion
that fashionably faint suggestion of a tan
Synonyms
trace,
touch,
hint,
shadow,
impression,
breath,
indication,
whisper,
suspicion,
ghost,
intimation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of suspicion
Definition
a slight trace
large blooms of white with a suspicion of pale pink
Synonyms
trace,
touch,
hint,
shadow,
suggestion,
strain,
shade,
streak,
tinge,
glimmer,
soupçon
in the sense of tail
Definition
to follow (someone) stealthily
Officers had tailed the gang in an undercover inquiry.
Synonyms
follow,
track,
shadow,
trail,
stalk,
keep an eye on,
dog the footsteps of
in the sense of tinge
Definition
a very small amount
Could there have been a slight tinge of envy in her voice?
Synonyms
trace,
bit,
drop,
touch,
suggestion,
dash,
pinch,
smack,
sprinkling,
smattering,
soupçon
in the sense of touch
Definition
a small amount
She thought she might have a touch of flu.
Synonyms
bit,
spot (British),
trace,
drop,
taste,
suggestion,
hint,
dash,
suspicion,
pinch,
smack,
small amount,
tinge,
whiff,
jot,
speck,
smattering,
intimation,
tincture
in the sense of track
Definition
to follow the trail of (a person or animal)
He thought he had better track this creature and kill it.
Synonyms
follow,
pursue,
chase,
trace,
tail (informal),
dog,
shadow,
trail,
stalk,
hunt down,
follow the trail of
in the sense of trail
Definition
to follow or hunt (an animal or person), usually secretly, by following the marks or tracks he, she, or it has made
Two detectives were trailing him.
Synonyms
follow,
track,
chase,
pursue,
dog,
hunt,
shadow,
trace,
tail (informal),
hound,
stalk,
keep an eye on,
keep tabs on (informal),
run to ground
in the sense of vestige
Definition
a small amount or trace
the last vestiges of a great and ancient kingdom
Synonyms
remnant,
remains,
trace,
relic,
track,
token,
remainder,
residue
in the sense of whiff
Definition
a trace or hint
Not a whiff of scandal has ever tainted his private life.