# shouldered

/ˈʃoʊɫdɝd/ (US) · /ʃˈəʊldəd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shouldered
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to carry something on your shoulders. You use this when you are holding a heavy bag or a piece of equipment.

For teachers: to carry a load on one's shoulders. Often used in the passive voice to describe the physical support of a heavy object.

## Examples

- He shouldered the heavy backpack and walked away.
- The soldiers shouldered their rifles and marched toward the front line as the sun began to rise.
- The bridge shouldered the weight of the entire city's traffic for decades before the new tunnel was finally completed.

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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.