shuttle

[ shuht-l ]

noun

1. a device in a loom for passing or shooting the weft thread through the shed from one side of the web to the other, usually consisting of a boat-shaped piece of wood containing a bobbin on which the weft thread is wound.
2. the sliding container that carries the lower thread in a sewing machine.
3. a public conveyance, as a train, airplane, or bus, that travels back and forth at regular intervals over a particular route, especially a short route or one connecting two transportation systems.
4. shuttlecock ( def 1 ).
5. (often initial capital letter) space shuttle.

verb (used with object)

, shut·tled, shut·tling.

1. to cause (someone or something) to move to and fro or back and forth by or as if by a shuttle:

   They shuttled me all over the seventh floor.

verb (used without object)

, shut·tled, shut·tling.

1. to move to and fro:

   constantly shuttling between city and suburb.

shuttle

/ ˈʃʌtəl /

noun

1. a bobbin-like device used in weaving for passing the weft thread between the warp threads
2. a small bobbin-like device used to hold the thread in a sewing machine or in tatting, knitting, etc
3. 1. a bus, train, aircraft, etc, that plies between two points, esp one that offers a frequent service over a short route
   2. short for space shuttle
4. 1. the movement between various countries of a diplomat in order to negotiate with rulers who refuse to meet each other
   2. ( as modifier )

      shuttle diplomacy

5. badminton short for shuttlecock

verb

1. to move or cause to move by or as if by a shuttle

Other Words From

• shuttle·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shuttle¹

before 900; Middle English shotil (noun), Old English scytel dart, arrow; cognate with Old Norse skutill harpoon; akin to shut, shoot ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of shuttle¹

Old English scytel bolt; related to Middle High German schüzzel, Swedish skyttel. See shoot , shot

Example Sentences

Water pressure in some areas also became erratic, forcing crews to shuttle water up to some key positions in the firefight — though it is still not clear what effect that might have had.

From Los Angeles Times

And since she now wants to be an astronaut, she likes space and looking at the space shuttle.

From Los Angeles Times

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken departed the region, where he completed several days of shuttle diplomacy between Israel, Saudi Arabia and other countries in hopes of re-starting cease-fire talks for the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

From Los Angeles Times

Robert, 66, who works in real estate, added that he planned to shuttle family members to early voting locations because of how tight the presidential contest is between Trump and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, and how Nevada could tilt the outcome.

From Los Angeles Times

The space center will be part of a 12.8-acre parcel where construction crews plan to complete in early 2026 the Downey Space Shuttle Exhibit and Education Building to serve as a larger science exhibit and educational complex.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commute