online vocabulary.com

Shearing - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Shearing is the act of cutting or removing something, such as wool from sheep or trimming hair. It can also refer to the deformation of materials under stress.

shearing

/ˈʃɪrɪŋ/ /ˈʃɪərɪŋ/

Definition:

Cutting or removing wool from sheep or trimming something with scissors or shears.

Synonyms:

clipping, trimming, cutting, cropping

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

growing, attaching

Common Collocations:

sheep shearing, shearing shed, shearing season, shearing blades

Derivatives:

shearer, sheared

Usage Tips:

Use "shearing" for cutting wool or trimming; ensure context clarifies the action (e.g., sheep vs. hedges).

Common Phrases:

shearing season, shearing shed, shear off

Etymology:

From Old English "sceran," meaning to cut or divide, related to Dutch "scheren" and German "scheren."

Examples:

  • 1. The farmer began shearing the sheep early in the morning.
  • 2. Shearing the overgrown bushes improved the garden's appearance.
  • 3. The annual shearing festival attracts many visitors to the village.
  • 4. Professional shearers use electric clippers for faster shearing.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS