shelters

Noun

shelter (plural shelters)

1. (countable) A place where a person or animal may find protection from the elements (especially rain, storms, or cold) sometimes as a place to sleep (such as a cave).
   • The band of explorers found a shelter behind the waterfall, which they rested at for three days.
2. (countable, usually) A bare-bones above-ground structure meant to provide temporary cover from the elements; usually small and with no door to close.
   • The detective kept them in view. He made his way casually along the inside of the shelter until he reached an open scuttle close to where the two men were standing talking. Eavesdropping was not a thing Larard would have practised from choice, but there were times when, in the public interest, he...1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, chapter 7, in Well Tackled!
3. (countable) A place for protection from deadly conditions outside, including military assault; usually partly or fully underground.
   • tornado shelter
4. (countable) A refuge, sanctuary, or (by metonymy) institution that provides temporary housing or a place to sleep for those in need or in danger.
   • (in compounds)

   Synonyms:

   home

5. (countable, often) An animal shelter.
   • I wish more people would look for pets at the shelter before turning to breeders!

   Synonyms:

   home

6. (uncountable) That which provides protection or cover.
   • Along with air, water, and food, shelter is often recognized as a human necessity.

See all 9 meanings of shelter