—shoulder /ˈʃəʊl.dər/ aep /ˈʃoʊl.dɚ/
noun (BODY PART)
B1 [C] one of the two parts of the body at each side of the neck that join the arms to the rest of the body:
» I rested my head on her shoulder.» Then she put her arm round my shoulder and gave me a kiss.» She glanced nervously over her shoulder to make sure no one else was listening.See picture: shoulder 
Thesaurus+: ↑The human torsoshoulders [plural]
F0 the top part of a person's back:
» He was about six feet tall with broad shoulders.» "I don't know what to do about it," said Martha, shrugging her shoulders.Thesaurus+: ↑The human torsoF0 the parts of a piece of clothing that cover the wearer's shoulders:
» The shoulders look a bit tight. Do you want to try a larger size?» a jacket with padded shouldersThesaurus+: ↑Parts of clothesF0 [C] the part of a bottle that curves out below its opening
Thesaurus+: ↑Containers for liquids and gasesF0 [C] US FOR HARD SHOULDER(Cf. ↑hard shoulder)
Thesaurus+: ↑Motorways-shouldered /-dərd/ aep /-dɚd/ suffix► F0» to be broad/narrow-shoulderedThesaurus+: ↑The human torso
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Extra Examples:» He gave me a friendly clap on the shoulder and said, "Well done!"» The bullet went clean through his shoulder.» She cried out in pain as the bullet grazed her shoulder.» She gave him a playful cuff on the shoulder.» This exercise is designed to develop the shoulder and back muscles.noun (RESPONSIBILITY)
sb's shoulders► F0 used to refer to the responsibility that someone has or feels for something: » 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.Thesaurus+: ↑Duty, obligation and responsibilitynoun [C or U] (MEAT)
► F0 a piece of meat that includes the upper part of an animal's front leg: » I've bought a shoulder of lamb for Sunday lunch.Thesaurus+: ↑Cuts of meatverb (ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY) ↑Verb Endings for shoulder
shoulder the blame, burden, responsibility, cost, etc.► F0 to accept that you are responsible for something bad or difficult: » 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.Thesaurus+: ↑Accepting and agreeing reluctantly , ↑Accepting and agreeing , ↑Approving and approvalverb (BODY PART) ↑Verb Endings for shoulder
F0 [T] to put something on your shoulders to carry it:
» Shouldering her pack, she strode off up the road.Thesaurus+: ↑Transferring and transporting objectsF0 [T + adv/prep] to push something with one of your shoulders:
» 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.Thesaurus+: ↑Pushing and shoving