shriner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Low FrequencyFormal, Neutral (when referring to the organization), sometimes Informal/Humorous (in broader cultural references)
Quick answer
What does “shriner” mean?
A member of the Shriners, a fraternal society for Masons.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the Shriners, a fraternal society for Masons.
A person who belongs to or is associated with the Shriners organization, known for their philanthropy, distinctive fez hats, and community events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The Shriners (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) is a primarily North American organization. The term is understood in the UK due to cultural exposure but is far less common and refers to an American institution.
Connotations
In the US: Philanthropy, parades, hospitals, a distinct subculture of Freemasonry. In the UK: Primarily an American cultural reference, possibly viewed as exotic or quirky.
Frequency
Very low frequency in British English. Low to medium frequency in American English, particularly in regions with active Shriner chapters or when discussing their charitable hospitals.
Grammar
How to Use “shriner” in a Sentence
[be/act as] a Shriner[become/join as] a Shriner[donate/volunteer] like a ShrinerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shriner” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'Shriner' as a noun modifier, e.g., Shriner parade)
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'Shriner' as a noun modifier, e.g., Shriner hospital)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in context of charity fundraising or event planning with the organization.
Academic
Rare, possibly in papers on American fraternal organizations or philanthropic studies.
Everyday
Used when referring to someone's membership or in the context of local parades and charity drives.
Technical
Specific to the lexicon of Freemasonry and its appendant bodies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shriner”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shriner”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shriner”
- Misspelling as 'shiner'. Confusing it with a general caretaker of a shrine.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a shriner of the temple') instead of the proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only etymologically in the organization's crafted name. Practically, a Shriner is not a keeper of a religious shrine but a member of a specific fraternal order.
Traditionally, Shriners International is a male-only organization. However, there are associated bodies for women, such as the Daughters of the Nile.
They are best known for operating the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of pediatric specialty hospitals providing free care.
Yes, membership in the Shriners requires one to first be a Master Mason in good standing within Freemasonry.
A member of the Shriners, a fraternal society for Masons.
Shriner is usually formal, neutral (when referring to the organization), sometimes informal/humorous (in broader cultural references) in register.
Shriner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃraɪ.nər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃraɪ.nɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A Shriner SHRINES (wears) a distinctive red hat. They are known for driving tiny cars in parades, which is a memorable image.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMBERSHIP IS IDENTITY (The organization's name becomes the primary label for the person).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Shriner' primarily known for being?