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Definition of shoehorn

shoehorn

/ˈʃuːˌhɔːrn/
shoe · horn
Plural:shoehorns
•
Past Simple:shoehorned
•
Past Participle:shoehorned
•
Present Participle:shoehorning
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shoehorn Lexical Profile

shoehorn Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To force or cram someone or something into an inadequate space or an awkward situation, schedule, or category.

Example

"The screenwriter tried to shoehorn too many subplots into the two-hour film."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shoehorn

• noun

1

A curved instrument of metal, plastic, wood, or horn used to help slide the heel easily into a shoe.

Example

"He used a long-handled shoehorn to slip into his stiff new leather dress shoes."

• Nearby Words

shoebill
shoebox
shoebrush
shoehorn
shoelace
shoeless
shoemaker

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from 'shoe' and 'horn', because early versions of the tool were carved from the curved horns of cattle.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shoehorn. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shoehorn
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