pear-shaped

[pair-sheypt]

adjective

1. having the shape of a pear; tapering near the top and bulging toward the base or bottom.

   a pear-shaped vase.

2. (of a vocal tone) clear, resonant, and without harshness; full-bodied.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pear-shaped¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

Another “zeitgeist” they warn of is the threat posed by “the k-shaped economy” going “pear-shaped if asset prices drop and hit the rich.”

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Westinghouse built the silver, pear-shaped device in 1937 and it became known as the “world’s first industrial atom smasher.”

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"I was doing really well until 22 miles when I blew it. I lost my balance and it all went a bit pear-shaped," he says.

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If anything goes wrong or pear-shaped I'll come and get you'.

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The first is a generous, pear-shaped indentation to hold a lit cigarette or cigar.

Read more on Los Angeles Times