English Reference
noun · verb

shades

n. · v.
US /ˈʃeɪdz/ UK /ʃˈeɪdz/ shades

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a common word for sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun.

    n.a colloquial term for sunglasses. Plurale tantum — always used in the plural form.

    Simple

    Don't forget your shades; the sun is really bright on the water today.

    In context

    He pulled on a pair of expensive designer shades before stepping out of the car into the flash of the paparazzi cameras.

    Usage

    Always plural; used with plural verbs like 'are' or 'were'.

    sunglassesdark glasses
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.areas that are dark because the sun is blocked, or different versions of a color.

    n.plural form of shade; refers to multiple areas of darkness or various gradations of a specific hue.

    Simple

    The artist used many different shades of green to paint the forest.

    In context

    The garden was a patchwork of light and shades, with the tall oaks casting long patterns across the lawn.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    v.to block the light from something or to make a part of a drawing darker.

    v.third-person singular present of 'shade'; to screen from light or to create a darkening effect in an artistic medium.

    Simple

    The large tree shades the entire patio during the hottest part of the afternoon.

    In context

    The architect designed a series of louvres that shades the glass facade, reducing the building's cooling requirements during the summer months.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated