# shrug

/ˈʃɹəɡ/ (US) · /ʃɹˈʌɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shrug
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to move shoulders

verb · CEFR B2

to raise your shoulders and then lower them to show you do not know, do not care, or cannot help.

For teachers: to raise and lower the shoulders as a gesture of indifference, uncertainty, or resignation. Often used with 'shoulders' as a direct object or intransitively.

- When I asked him where the keys were, he just shrugged and walked away.
- The witness merely shrugged when pressed for details, suggesting either a genuine lack of memory or a calculated refusal to cooperate.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrasal verb 'shrug off' to mean ignoring something unimportant.

### 2. the gesture

noun · CEFR B2

the act of raising your shoulders to show you are not sure or do not care.

For teachers: a gesture involving the brief elevation of the shoulders to signal a lack of knowledge, interest, or responsibility.

- With a small shrug, she admitted that she hadn't finished the report yet.
- His only response to the criticism was a noncommittal shrug, which further frustrated the committee members seeking a clear explanation.

### 3. clothing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a very short sweater or jacket that covers the shoulders and arms but not the chest.

For teachers: a woman's cropped, cardigan-like garment, typically knitted, that covers only the arms and shoulders.

- She wore a black knitted shrug over her summer dress because the evening was cool.
- The boutique specialised in bridal accessories, offering delicate lace shrugs designed to complement sleeveless evening gowns.

## Examples

- He gave a quick shrug when I asked for the time.
- When asked about the missing keys, she responded with a silent shrug of her shoulders.
- The politician met the reporter's difficult question with a dismissive shrug, suggesting that the matter was beneath his concern or simply not worth the effort of a verbal rebuttal.

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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.