# shedding

/ˈʃɛdɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈɛdɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shedding
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. losing hair or skin

noun · CEFR B2

the natural process of losing hair, skin, or leaves.

For teachers: the physiological process of casting off a natural outer covering or layer, such as fur, feathers, or dead skin cells.

- During the spring, our dog's shedding means we have to vacuum every day.
- The veterinarian explained that excessive shedding in cats can sometimes be a clinical sign of underlying stress or nutritional deficiencies.

### 2. material cast off

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the actual hair, skin, or other material that has fallen off.

For teachers: the biological matter that has been discarded or cast off during a shedding process.

- The snake left its old skin shedding behind in the grass.
- Microscopic analysis of the shedding found in the nest helped the researchers identify the specific species of migratory bird.

## Examples

- Regular brushing helps reduce the amount of shedding from your dog.
- During the spring, pet owners often struggle with the increased shedding of thick winter coats.
- The seasonal shedding of leaves is a survival mechanism that allows deciduous trees to conserve water and energy during the harsh winter months.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.