shindig
Americannoun
noun
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a noisy party, dance, etc
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another word for shindy
Usage
What does shindig mean? Shindig is a fun word for a party or gathering, especially a noisy and lively one. Shindig is very informal, and it often refers to informal gatherings, especially big, rowdy ones with dancing, but it can be used to refer to any type of party or big celebration. The word has an old-timey or rustic, country feel to it (though not as rustic as hootenanny or hoedown), so it is often used to be a bit silly or just as a more fun way to say party. Example: Big Earl’s having one of his usual shindigs this weekend, with his buddy’s band playing in the field out back.
Etymology
Origin of shindig
1855–60, shin 1 + dig 1; compare slang shinscraper dance, shinny 2 ( def. )
Explanation
A shindig is a party, usually one that's big, loud, and noisy. People throw shindigs to celebrate. This is a word for parties, especially parties that are wild and crazy. Shindigs — which are similar to hoedowns — usually involve dancing and music. A big birthday party is a shindig. A massive holiday party is a shindig. At a shindig, you'll find drinking, eating, games, and other forms of fun. If only three people show up to a party, that's not going to be much of a shindig. At a shindig, people are really whooping it up.
Vocabulary lists containing shindig
Party Parlance for Mardi Gras
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Mardi Gras: Fun
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The Unteachables
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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.
Watching the speeches from this fireworks-laden shindig, Wiltz’s observation felt like an understatement.
From Salon • Jan. 7, 2026
Make sure to buy or rent a Halloween costume and come on down for a seasonal shindig you won’t soon forget.
From MarketWatch • Oct. 27, 2025
A clip from the shindig featured the “Wicked City” actor giving a speech in which he thanked the guests for joining them.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2024
"Jonny put on a great shindig," Mott says.
From BBC • May 23, 2024
“Why, we got this shindig up,” he noted irreverently, “just so Miss Lane could sing at it.”
From The Girl From His Town by Vorst, Marie Van
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
