shelter

UK: /ˈʃɛltə^r/ US: /ˈʃɛltɚ/ ,(shel′tər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

shel•ter /ˈʃɛltɚ/  n. 

1. something beneath, behind, or within which one is protected, as from storms, cold, danger, etc.:
   [countable] an air raid shelter.
2. the protection or safety given by such a thing:
   [uncountable] We found shelter in a nearby barn.
3. [countable] a building serving as a temporary place to live, as for the homeless or unwanted animals.

v. 

4. to provide with a shelter:
   [~ + object] to shelter the homeless.
5. to find a safe place:
   [no object] to shelter somewhere during the snowstorm.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

shel•ter  (shel′tər), n. 

1. something beneath, behind, or within which a person, animal, or thing is protected from storms, missiles, adverse conditions, etc.;
   refuge.
2. the protection or refuge afforded by such a thing:
   He took shelter in a nearby barn.
3. protection from blame, incrimination, etc.
4. a dwelling place or home considered as a refuge from the elements:
   Everyone's basic needs are food, clothing, and shelter.
5. a building serving as a temporary refuge or residence for homeless persons, abandoned animals, etc.
6. Banking, Business [Finance.] See tax shelter. 

v.t. 

7. to be a shelter for;
   afford shelter to:
   The old barn sheltered him from the rain.
8. to provide with a shelter;
   place under cover.
9. to protect, as by shelter;
   take under one's protection:
   Parents should not try to shelter their children from normal childhood disappointments.
10. Banking, Business [Finance.] to invest (money) in a tax shelter.

v.i. 

11. to take shelter;
    find a refuge:
    He sheltered in a barn.
12. Banking, Business [Finance.] to invest money in a tax shelter.

• 1575–85; perh. alteration of obsolete sheltron testudo, Old English scieldtruma, equivalent. to scield shield + truma body of fighting men; see trim

shel′ter•er, n. 
shel′ter•ing•ly, adv. 
shel′ter•less, adj. 
shel′ter•less•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. retreat, asylum, sanctuary, shield, haven, harbor. See cover. 
• 7. harbor, house.
• 9. guard, safeguard, shield, defend.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

shelter / ˈʃɛltə/ noun

1. something that provides cover or protection, as from weather or danger; place of refuge
2. the protection afforded by such a cover; refuge
3. the state of being sheltered

verb

1. (transitive) to provide with or protect by a shelter
2. (intransitive) to take cover, as from rain; find refuge
3. (transitive) to act as a shelter for; take under one's protection

Etymology: 16th Century: of uncertain origin

ˈshelterer noun