shirr

[ shur ]
/ ʃɜr /

verb (used with object)

to draw up or gather (cloth or the like) on three or more parallel threads.
to bake (eggs removed from the shell) in a shallow dish or in individual dishes.

noun

Also shirr·ing. a shirred arrangement, as of cloth.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
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Origin of shirr

First recorded in 1840–50; origin uncertain

OTHER WORDS FROM shirr

un·shirred, adjective

Words nearby shirr

shirker, shirleen, shirley, shirley poppy, shirley temple, shirr, shirt, shirt front, shirt jacket, shirt-dress, shirt-lifter
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for shirr

British Dictionary definitions for shirr

shirr
/ (ʃɜː) /

verb

to gather (fabric) into two or more parallel rows to decorate a dress, blouse, etc, often using elastic thread
(tr) to bake (eggs) out of their shells

noun Also: shirring

a series of gathered rows decorating a dress, blouse, etc

Word Origin for shirr

C19: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012