sheltered

American  

[shel-terd] / ˈʃɛl tərd /

adjective

1. protected or shielded from storms, missiles, etc., by a wall, roof, barrier, or the like.

2. protected from the troubles, annoyances, sordidness, etc., encountered in competitive situations.

   a sheltered life.

3. (of a business or industry) enjoying noncompetitive conditions, as because of a protective tariff.

4. of or relating to employment or housing, especially for persons with disabilities, in a noncompetitive, supervised environment.

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sheltered British  

/ ˈʃɛltəd /

adjective

1. protected from wind or weather

   a sheltered garden

2. protected from outside influences

   a sheltered upbringing

3. (of buildings) specially designed to provide a safe environment for the elderly, handicapped, or disabled See also sheltered housing

   sheltered workshops for the blind

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Other Word Forms

• self-sheltered adjective
• unsheltered adjective
• well-sheltered adjective

Etymology

Origin of sheltered

First recorded in 1585–95; shelter + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Khalil and Faraj got out of the car and sheltered in a nearby house.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

But, as she told Ritz, when she joined Jimmy Jam and Lewis in Minneapolis, she was coming out of a very sheltered life.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

"To be honest, in the last days I'm losing hope a little bit," said Sigal as we sheltered in the safe room.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

A group of young people sheltered under a thatched hut by the side of the road, absorbed in a game of poker.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

It is sheltered by two tired old trees and guarded by cactus.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

Related Words

• protected
• shady