sholes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Dialectal)Historical, Nautical, Dialectal, Technical (Woodworking)
Quick answer
What does “sholes” mean?
A plural noun referring to multiple shoals or shallow areas in a body of water, or alternatively, an archaic/rare plural of 'shole', meaning a plank or plate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plural noun referring to multiple shoals or shallow areas in a body of water, or alternatively, an archaic/rare plural of 'shole', meaning a plank or plate.
Primarily used in historical or dialectal contexts to describe shallow, sandy banks in rivers or seas that are hazardous to navigation. In woodworking contexts, it can refer to multiple thin pieces of wood used as supports or plates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both variants. Might be slightly more attested in British historical nautical contexts.
Connotations
Archaic, regional, or technical. Not part of contemporary standard vocabulary.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. Most native speakers would use 'shoals' for the nautical term.
Grammar
How to Use “sholes” in a Sentence
The ship avoided the [sholes].The [sholes] were marked on the old chart.He fitted the [sholes] beneath the beam.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sholes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as an adjective]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in historical geography or maritime history texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Possible in historical nautical navigation or archaic woodworking/construction contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sholes”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sholes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sholes”
- Using 'sholes' in modern writing instead of 'shoals'.
- Misspelling as 'shoals'.
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an attested but archaic and rare plural form of 'shole' (a plank) or a variant spelling of 'shoals'. It is not used in modern standard English.
Always use 'shoals' in contemporary writing to refer to shallow areas in water. 'Sholes' will look like a mistake to most readers.
It comes from Old English 'sceald' (shallow) and is related to 'shoal'. The woodworking sense may come from a different root related to 'plate' or 'plank'.
It might persist as a dialectal pronunciation or spelling in some very specific regional varieties, but it is not widespread.
A plural noun referring to multiple shoals or shallow areas in a body of water, or alternatively, an archaic/rare plural of 'shole', meaning a plank or plate.
Sholes is usually historical, nautical, dialectal, technical (woodworking) in register.
Sholes: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəʊlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃoʊlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The standard term 'shoals' is used in idioms like 'on the shoals of' meaning in trouble.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SHOES' losing an 'E' and walking on shallow 'SHOLES' where you might get your shoes wet.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A SHALLOW PLACE; SUPPORT IS A FOUNDATION (wood sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you historically encounter the word 'sholes'?