shanty

¹

[ shan-tee ]

noun

, plural shan·ties.

1. a crudely built hut, cabin, or house.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting a shanty or shanties:

   a shanty quarter outside the town walls.

2. of a low economic or social class, especially when living in a shanty:

   shanty people.

verb (used without object)

, shan·tied, shan·ty·ing.

1. to inhabit a shanty.

shanty

²

[ shan-tee ]

noun

, plural shan·ties.

1. a sailors' song, especially one sung in rhythm to work.

shanty

¹

/ ˈʃæntɪ; ˈʃæntɪ; ˈtʃæn- /

noun

1. a song originally sung by sailors, esp a rhythmic one forming an accompaniment to work

shanty

²

/ ˈʃæntɪ /

noun

1. a ramshackle hut; crude dwelling
2. a public house, esp an unlicensed one
3. formerly, in Canada
   1. a log bunkhouse at a lumber camp
   2. the camp itself

Other Words From

• shanty·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shanty¹

1810–20; probably < Canadian French chantier lumber camp, hut; French: yard, depot, gantry, stand for barrels < Latin cant ( h ) ērius rafter, prop, literally, horse in poor condition, nag < Greek kanthḗlios pack ass

Origin of shanty²

First recorded 1855–60; alteration of French chanter “to sing”; chant

Word History and Origins

Origin of shanty¹

C19: from French chanter to sing; see chant

Origin of shanty²

C19: from Canadian French chantier cabin built in a lumber camp, from Old French gantier gantry

Example Sentences

They were locals, lower-income people passing by on their way to their jobs, bike riders, and people from the surrounding shanties.

From Eater

Sea shanties are here to save usTrump was a center of gravity on Twitter.

From Washington Post

After you’ve finished with the Wellerman, give “Sloop John B,” The Beach Boys’ own sea shanty adaptation, a listen.

From Fortune

If you’ve visited social media lately—and surely you haven’t because we’re all keeping good on our New Year’s resolutions—you’ve probably encountered a sea shanty.

From Fortune

Whether the task was rowing, hoisting sails or hauling nets, the hand-over-hand beat of sea shanties was intended to help sailors keep time with each other.

From Time

Then Valls ordered their makeshift shanty-towns and trailer parks in several cities torn down.

From The Daily Beast

It was in full sight from the door of the little shanty in which Aunt Ri's carpet-loom stood.

From Project Gutenberg

They crossed the road, and entered the huge shanty, and stood apologetically near the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Would you mind asking your Jap to make us some sandwiches and come with me up to my mountain shanty?

From Project Gutenberg

"Calculate we kin git a drink there," said Scattergood, pointing to a little shanty in a clearing by the roadside.

From Project Gutenberg

I got his affidavit, and we parted the best of friends, he urging me to call at his shanty and see Mary Jane and the kids.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cabin
• cottage
• hut
• lean-to