shindig

American  

[shin-dig] / ˈʃɪnˌdɪg /

noun

Informal.

• shindigs
  plural

1. an elaborate or large dance, party, or other celebration.

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shindig British  

/ ˈʃɪnˌdɪɡ /

noun

1. a noisy party, dance, etc

2. another word for shindy

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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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• shindigs
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shindig shindigs

At last year’s shindig, my friend Chet created a refreshing spritz without any of the cloying sweetness of Aperol.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

That is perhaps one key difference to this shindig, apart from the obvious step up in excitement from a Euros to their first World Cup in 28 years.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2026

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

"I heard ye had a little shindig up to here last night, Mrs. Peake, an' I jest called 'round to see what it is all 'bout," said Hank, seating himself.

From Darry the Life Saver The Heroes of the Coast by Webster, Frank V.

But the absence of the leading lady didn’t dampen the nation’s party atmosphere, with millions turning out for patriotic street shindigs, barbecues and picnics in their cities and villages.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 5, 2022

Twelve detectives and half a million pounds later, we know the police looked into 12 shindigs, 345 documents and more than 500 photographs.

From BBC ● May 19, 2022

We talk about one of the most important music shindigs on Earth.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2022

There was hope for a grand reopening party, as we all emerged from lockdown and started going to restaurants and throwing shindigs again.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 10, 2022

Like I said, we meet the best people through the Templetons, who have divine shindigs.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• gala