Shed

As a Noun

1. A small, simple building used for storage or shelter (e.g., a garden shed).
2. A large structure for housing vehicles, machinery, or animals (e.g., a train shed).

As a Verb

1. To lose or let go of something naturally (e.g., trees shed their leaves in autumn).
2. To remove or get rid of (e.g., he shed his old habits).
3. To release or drop liquid (e.g., the snake shed its skin).
4. To emit or spread (e.g., the lamp shed ligwht on the table).

Word History

The word shed comes from Old English sceādan, meaning “to divide, separate, or scatter.”Over time, it evolved into meanings related to both discarding and spreading, as well as referring to structures for shelter and storage.

Examples

1. He stored his tools in the wooden shed.
2. The dog shed fur all over the couch.
3. She shed tears of joy at the graduation.
4. The scandal shed light on corruption in the industry.

Synonyms (depending on context)

Shack, hut, discard, drop, release, spread

Related Words

Shedder, shelter, scatter, discard, remove

Antonyms

Retain, absorb, keep, collect, acquire