shanty

¹

[ shan-tee ]

noun

, plural shan·ties.

1. a crudely built hut, cabin, or house.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting a shanty or shanties:

   a shanty quarter outside the town walls.

2. of a low economic or social class, especially when living in a shanty:

   shanty people.

verb (used without object)

, shan·tied, shan·ty·ing.

1. to inhabit a shanty.

shanty

²

[ shan-tee ]

noun

, plural shan·ties.

1. a sailors' song, especially one sung in rhythm to work.

shanty

¹

/ ˈʃæntɪ; ˈʃæntɪ; ˈtʃæn- /

noun

1. a song originally sung by sailors, esp a rhythmic one forming an accompaniment to work

shanty

²

/ ˈʃæntɪ /

noun

1. a ramshackle hut; crude dwelling
2. a public house, esp an unlicensed one
3. formerly, in Canada
   1. a log bunkhouse at a lumber camp
   2. the camp itself

Other Words From

• shanty·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shanty¹

1810–20; probably < Canadian French chantier lumber camp, hut; French: yard, depot, gantry, stand for barrels < Latin cant ( h ) ērius rafter, prop, literally, horse in poor condition, nag < Greek kanthḗlios pack ass

Origin of shanty²

First recorded 1855–60; alteration of French chanter “to sing”; chant

Word History and Origins

Origin of shanty¹

C19: from French chanter to sing; see chant

Origin of shanty²

C19: from Canadian French chantier cabin built in a lumber camp, from Old French gantier gantry

Example Sentences

By contrast, “Gangplank Galleon,” which accompanies the game’s climactic pirate ship boss fight, begins in the frisky style of an accordion-led sea shanty.

From New York Times

Since then, Reshma, her mother and sister have been living in a small shanty on the edges of the city.

From BBC

Besides torch songs, sea shanties, Latino roots and rockabilly tunes have been heard.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll discover an adventure to embark upon, or perhaps your evening will simply be filled with drinking shanties.

From Los Angeles Times

Syeda X, a poor migrant woman living in shanty towns that skirt India’s capital Delhi, struggled through more than 50 jobs in 30 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• cabin
• cottage
• hut
• lean-to