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Definition of shutter

shutter

/ˈʃʌt.ər/
shut · ter

Plural:shutters
•
Past Simple:shuttered
•
Past Participle:shuttered
•
Present Participle:shuttering
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shutter Lexical Profile

shutter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A solid or louvered hinged cover for a window, typically installed on the exterior to block light, provide privacy, or protect against weather.

Example

"Before the hurricane hit, the residents quickly closed the wooden shutters to protect their windows from flying debris."


2

A mechanical device in a camera that opens and closes to control the amount of time the photographic film or digital sensor is exposed to light.

Example

"The photographer used a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the flying bird perfectly."

• verb

1

To close down a business, factory, or operation permanently or temporarily.

Example

"The economic downturn forced the manufacturing company to shutter its oldest plant."


2

To close the protective window covers of a building or room.

Example

"They shuttered the cabin at the end of the summer season before heading back to the city."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shutter

• Rhymes for shutter

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 16th century: from the verb 'shut' + the suffix '-er', originally referring to a person or thing that shuts, later specifically applied to window covers and camera mechanisms.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shutter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shutter
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