Shakespearean

American

[sheyk-speer-ee-uhn] / ʃeɪkˈspɪər i ən /

Or Shakespearian

adjective

of, relating to, or suggestive of Shakespeare or his works.

noun

a Shakespearean scholar; a specialist in the study of the works of Shakespeare.

Shakespearean British

/ ʃeɪkˈspɪərɪən /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Shakespeare or his works

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

a student of or specialist in Shakespeare's works

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of Shakespearean

First recorded in 1810–20; Shakespeare + -an

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Shakespearean

Start plotting your Roth conversions in a manner akin to a Shakespearean conspiracist.

From MarketWatch ● May 21, 2026

Just before his dinner toast, Charles quoted a Shakespearean plea for peace -- but ended with a winking reference.

From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026

It will include regional accents delivering Shakespearean dialogue, punctuated by hit pop music and original songs.

From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2026

Some observers called it a betrayal of Shakespearean proportions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 15, 2026

She could play chess, divide fractions, write in cursive, and do a strong-voiced recitation of at least three different Shakespearean sonnets.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023