Definition and meaning of English word "shift"
shift
/ʃɪft/
Meaning
NounA scheduled period of time during which a person or group works, especially in a factory or job with rotating hours.
How to use
The noun 'shift' can refer to a change in position, direction, or a period of work. When discussing work schedules, 'shift' is often used in phrases like 'morning shift' or 'night shift.' A common mistake is to confuse 'shift' with 'change,' although 'shift' often implies a more gradual or subtle movement.
🇬🇧 English
shift
Example
The factory operates around the clock with three consecutive eight-hour shifts.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationCommon phrases
- shift gears— shift gears
- work shift— work shift
- paradigm shift— paradigm shift
More Work & Career words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1041 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "shift" mean?▼
The English word "shift" means "shift" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "shift"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "shift" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "shift"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "The factory operates around the clock with three consecutive eight-hour shifts." (which translates as "shift").
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