shakers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1The noun is neutral to formal depending on sense (1 & 3). Sense 2 ('members of the sect' or 'style of furniture') is specific and historical/cultural.
Quick answer
What does “shakers” mean?
1) Objects or people that shake something. 2) Specifically, containers with perforated tops for sprinkling salt, pepper, sugar, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1) Objects or people that shake something. 2) Specifically, containers with perforated tops for sprinkling salt, pepper, sugar, etc. 3) Members of a 19th-century Christian sect noted for ecstatic worship and celibacy.
1) People or things that cause disturbance, revolution, or significant change in a particular sphere. 2) In design, 'Shaker furniture'—a style known for its simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. 3) Small musical instruments played by shaking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. The term 'salt shaker' is more common in the US, while 'salt cellar' is a more traditional UK alternative, though 'salt shaker' is widely understood. 'Pepper mill' (for grinding) vs. 'pepper shaker' distinction is universal.
Connotations
Identical for core meanings. 'Shaker' in a furniture/style context has the same cultural/historical reference in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the common pairing 'salt and pepper shakers' in everyday domestic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shakers” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + shakers (e.g., ornate silver shakers)[Noun] + shakers (e.g., spice shakers)[Of] + noun (e.g., shakers of society)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shakers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb in this form)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb in this form)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb in this form)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb in this form)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as an adjective in this form)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adjective in this form)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The conference was full of industry shakers.'
Academic
Historical/Cultural Studies: 'The Shakers' communitarian principles were revolutionary.'
Everyday
Domestic: 'Could you pass the salt shakers?'
Technical
Mixology: 'Bartenders use Boston shakers for cocktails.' Design: 'The clean lines of Shaker cabinetry.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shakers”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shakers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shakers”
- Using 'shakers' as a verb (e.g., 'He shakers the bottle' is incorrect; correct form: 'He shakes').
- Misspelling as 'shakeers'.
- Using singular verb with plural 'shakers' (e.g., 'The salt shaker are empty' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly, yes, especially for the container sense (as they often come in pairs like salt and pepper). The singular 'shaker' is used for one item or metaphorically ('a shaker of cocktails', 'a shaker of the industry').
A shaker dispenses pre-ground pepper. A mill grinds whole peppercorns. You fill a shaker, but you load a mill.
It is a well-established, moderately formal idiom used in business, journalism, and sociology to describe people with significant power and influence to instigate change.
The religious sect is nearly extinct, with a very small, aging membership. However, their name and design legacy (Shaker style) remain culturally significant.
1) Objects or people that shake something. 2) Specifically, containers with perforated tops for sprinkling salt, pepper, sugar, etc.
Shakers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃeɪkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃeɪkɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Movers and shakers (influential people who initiate change)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chef SHAKING herbs from two SHAKERS.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE WHO CAUSE CHANGE ARE OBJECTS THAT SHAKE (society, the industry).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'shakers' LEAST likely to be used?