animal shelter

[an-uh-muhl shel-ter]

noun

1. an establishment, maintained by local government or supported by charitable contributions, that provides a temporary home for dogs, cats, and other animals that are offered for adoption, and puts to sleep homeless animals that have been deemed unsuitable for adoption.

   The animal shelter is requesting donations of old towels, blankets, and other linens.

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal shelter¹

First recorded in 1890–95