noun
shade
shayd
noun
1
An area of relative darkness where direct sunlight is blocked.
"They set up their picnic in the shade of a large oak tree."
2
A particular variation of a color.
"She painted the wall a soft shade of blue."
3
A subtly insulting remark (often "throw shade").
"The comedian threw shade at his rival during the interview."
verb
1
To block or shield from light.
"A wide-brimmed hat shaded her eyes from the sun."
How to Use Shade
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn area out of direct sun, a variation of a color, or (slang) a sly insult.
Memory tip
"Throw shade" is modern slang meaning to insult someone subtly or disrespectfully.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
in the shade
a shade of blue
throw shade
Word Forms
shaded past tense, shades plural, Shades plural, shades singular
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They set up their picnic in the _____ of a large oak tree.
Etymology
From Old English sceadu, "shade, shadow, darkness" — a doublet of the word shadow.