SHOEHORN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does shoehorn mean? 

• SHOEHORN (noun)
  The noun SHOEHORN has 1 sense:

1. a device used for easing the foot into a shoe

  Familiarity information: SHOEHORN used as a noun is very rare.

• SHOEHORN (verb)
  The verb SHOEHORN has 1 sense:

1. fit for a specific purpose even when not well suited

  Familiarity information: SHOEHORN used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SHOEHORN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A device used for easing the foot into a shoe

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("shoehorn" is a kind of...):

device (an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose)

• SHOEHORN (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they shoehorn    ... he / she / it shoehorns   
Past simple: shoehorned   
Past participle: shoehorned   
-ing form: shoehorning   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Fit for a specific purpose even when not well suited

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "shoehorn" is one way to...):

accommodate; adapt (make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something