Definition Definition

shy - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'shy' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Shy [ a.]
- To start suddenly aside through fright or suspicion; -- said especially of horses.
2 . Shy [ n.]
- A sudden start aside, as by a horse.
- A side throw; a throw; a fling.
3 . Shy [ superl.]
- Easily frightened; timid; as, a shy bird.
- Reserved; coy; disinclined to familiar approach.
- Cautious; wary; suspicious.
4 . Shy [ v. t.]
- To throw sidewise with a jerk; to fling; as, to shy a stone; to shy a slipper.

Meaning of 'shy' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . shy [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a quick throw
Example in sentence:
  • he gave the ball a shy to the first baseman
2 . shy [ a]
Meaning (2):
- lacking self-confidence
Example in sentence:
  • a very unsure young man;
  • problems that call for bold not timid responses;
  • stood in the doorway diffident and abashed
3 . shy [ s]
Meaning (3):
- short
Example in sentence:
  • eleven is one shy of a dozen
Meaning (4):
- wary and distrustful; disposed to avoid persons or things
Example in sentence:
  • shy of strangers