shapeshifter

American  

[sheyp-shif-ter] / ˈʃeɪpˌʃɪf tər /

noun

1. a fictional being that can transform itself from one physical form into another.

   Zeus was a great shapeshifter, taking many unexpected forms, including that of a swan, a gopher, a cloud, and even a shower of gold.

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Other Word Forms

• shapeshift
  verb (used without object)
• shapeshifting
  noun

Etymology

Origin of shapeshifter

First recorded in 1885–90; shape ( def. ) + shifter ( def. )

Example Sentences

Not a bad legacy, considering George Downing is summarized by his biographer thus: “Liar, blackmailer, seducer and thief, this double-dealing shapeshifter would betray both friends and principles without a moment’s misgiving.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

The water that once sustained the community is horribly polluted and younger characters dream of escape; Mal, the mother of two daughters, is visited by a shapeshifter in her dreams.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

No matter if whipped into an icing, deep-fried and served with a sticky dipping sauce or simply steamed, tofu is a shapeshifter.

From Salon • May 21, 2025

Jenrick is also a Thatcher fan - one of his daughters has Thatcher for a middle name - but Badenoch's supporters have accused him of being a "shapeshifter".

From BBC • Oct. 11, 2024

“Mystique’s a shapeshifter, so she always wins,” I said.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon