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Definition of shuttle

shuttle

/ˈʃʌt.əl/
shut · tle

Plural:shuttles
•
Past Simple:shuttled
•
Past Participle:shuttled
•
Present Participle:shuttling
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shuttle Lexical Profile

shuttle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A vehicle or transport service that travels frequently back and forth between two established points.

Example

"The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to the airport every thirty minutes."


2

A lightweight object, typically conical with a rubber or cork base and a feathered skirt, hit back and forth in badminton; a shuttlecock.

Example

"She hit the shuttle over the net with incredible speed to secure the match point."


3

A wooden or plastic device used in weaving to carry the weft thread back and forth between the warp threads.

Example

"The experienced weaver skillfully passed the shuttle through the threads of the loom."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To transport or travel frequently back and forth between two places.

Example

"Helicopters shuttled emergency supplies to the isolated mountain village throughout the weekend."


2

To move rapidly or repeatedly back and forth between tasks, roles, or locations.

Example

"The event coordinator spent the evening shuttling between the banquet hall and the kitchen."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for shuttle

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'scytel' meaning 'dart' or 'arrow', related to 'scēotan' (to shoot). The weaving tool was named for its rapid, dart-like motion across the loom, which later inspired the name for transport vehicles traveling back and forth.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


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