nounπShareA modifier key whose main function is shifting between two or more functions of any of certain other keys (usually by pressing Shift and the other button simultaneously).""Using the shifts on the piano, the pianist can play a wider range of notes, including lower bass tones." "computingtechnologyelectronicsmachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA type of women's undergarment, a slip."Just last week she bought a new shift at the market."wearitemChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA change of workers, now specifically a set group of workers or period of working time."The night shifts at the hospital are usually less busy than the day shifts. "timejoborganizationworkgroupChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn act of shifting; a slight movement or change."There was a shift in the political atmosphere."actionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe gear mechanism in a motor vehicle."Does it come with a stick-shift?"vehiclemachinetechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA bit shift."The programmer used a bit shift to quickly multiply the number by eight. "computingtechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe infield shift."Teams often use the shift against this lefty."sportChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShare(often with the definite article, usually uncountable) The act of kissing passionately."After a long day apart, their reunion began with deep, lingering shifts. "actionsexbodyhumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA contrivance, a device to try when other methods fail."Having tried everything else to calm the crying baby, her mother resorted to elaborate shadow puppets on the wall; these were her last shifts. "devicepossibilityplanactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA trick, an artifice."The magician used clever shifts to make the rabbit disappear. "characterwayactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe extent, or arrangement, of the overlapping of plank, brick, stones, etc., that are placed in courses so as to break joints."The bricklayer carefully planned the shifts in the wall, making sure each brick overlapped the others for maximum strength and stability. "architecturematerialstructureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA breaking off and dislocation of a seam; a fault."The earthquake caused noticeable shifts in the freshly paved road, creating dangerous cracks and uneven surfaces. "geologytechnicalstructureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA mutation in which the DNA or RNA from two different sources (such as viruses or bacteria) combine.""Scientists are concerned about genetic shifts in the flu virus because these combinations could create new, more dangerous strains." "virusbiologymedicinemicroorganismsciencebiochemistryChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareIn violin-playing, any position of the left hand except that nearest the nut."The violinist practiced her shifts between first position and third position to make the melody sound smooth. "musictechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(sometimes figurative) To move from one place to another; to redistribute."The teacher shifts the students' seats every month to help them socialize with different classmates. "actionpositionbusinesseconomyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo change in form or character; swap."The weather shifted from sunny to rainy, completely changing our plans for the afternoon picnic. "actionprocessChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo change position."His political stance shifted daily."positionactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo change residence; to leave and live elsewhere."We are shifting to America next month."familyplaceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo change (clothes, especially underwear).""After working in the hot garden all morning, he shifts his sweaty shirt for a clean one." "appearancewearbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo change (someone's) clothes; sometimes specifically, to change underwear."After playing in the muddy garden, the mom shifts her toddler into clean clothes before dinner. "wearbodyhumanappearanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo change gears (in a car)."I crested the hill and shifted into fifth."vehicletechnicalmachineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(typewriters) To move the keys of a typewriter over in order to type capital letters and special characters."The secretary quickly shifts the keys on the old typewriter to type the word "IMPORTANT" in all caps. "writingmachinetechnologycommunicationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(computer keyboards) To switch to a character entry mode for capital letters and special characters."She shifts to type capital letters at the beginning of each sentence in her essay. "computingtechnologyelectronicsmachinefunctiondeviceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo manipulate a binary number by moving all of its digits left or right; compare rotate."Shifting 1001 to the left yields 10010; shifting it right yields 100."computingelectronicsnumbertechnologytechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo remove the first value from an array."The program shifts the first item from the to-do list to the "completed" section when you click "done." "computingtechnicallistChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo dispose of."How can I shift a grass stain?"businesscommerceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo hurry."If you shift, you might make the 2:19."actiontimeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo engage in sexual petting.sexbodyactionhumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo resort to expedients for accomplishing a purpose; to contrive; to manage."When the printer broke down, she shifts to using the library's computer to finish her report. "actionabilityplanbusinessorganizationworkChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo practice indirect or evasive methods."Instead of answering the question directly, the politician often shifts the topic when asked about controversial issues. "actionwayattitudeChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareIn violin-playing, to move the left hand from its original position next to the nut."The violinist shifts up the fingerboard to reach the higher notes of the melody. "musictechnicalpositionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading