shaker

American  

[shey-ker] / ˈʃeɪ kər /

noun

1. a person or thing that shakes.

2. a container with a perforated top from which a seasoning, condiment, sugar, flour, or the like is shaken onto food.

3. any of various containers for shaking shaking beverages to mix the ingredients.

   a cocktail shaker.

4. a dredger or caster.

5. (initial capital letter) a member of the Millennial Church, originating in England in the middle of the 18th century and brought to the U.S. in 1774, advocating celibacy, common ownership of property, and a strict and simple way of life: so called from their practice of shaking shaking during religious services.

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adjective

1. (initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a style of something produced by Shakers and characterized by simplicity of form, lack of ornamentation, fine craftsmanship, and functionality.

shaker British  

/ ˈʃeɪkə /

noun

1. a person or thing that shakes

2. a container, often having a perforated top, from which something, such as a condiment, is shaken

3. a container in which the ingredients of alcoholic drinks are shaken together

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shaker Idioms  

1. see mover and shaker.

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Etymology

Origin of shaker

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; shake, -er ¹

Example Sentences

He started out with some basic tips: Fill the shaker with the least expensive ingredients first, so you don’t waste the expensive stuff if you mess up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

He held up a shaker filled with salt and spices and pointed out the little holes on the shaker’s cover.

From Slate • Aug. 11, 2025

You can shake it, but don't shake it like you're trying to kill something inside the shaker.

From Salon • May 1, 2025

In his front yard, Rains kept a shaker table and other equipment to sift soil for flecks of gold.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

I smile, thinking this memory shaker must be about me.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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