English · Word Candidate

shuttle

/ˈʃʌtəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: shuttles · shuttling · shuttled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A tool used to carry the woof back and forth between the warp threads on a loom.

Noun

Examples

My dayes are ſwifter then a weauers ſhuttle, and are ſpent without hope.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The sliding thread holder in a sewing machine, which carries the lower thread through a loop of the upper thread, to make a lock stitch.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To go or send back and forth between two places.

Verb

Examples

On several occasions during the next several months my attempts to see the logs were met alternately with this denial of their existence or a denial of my right to see them. After being shuttled from station to headquarters and headquarters to station, I finally consulted with GCNs attorney, John Wa

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To transport by shuttle or by means of a shuttle service.

Verb

Examples

Guests can be shuttled to and from the hotel for no extra cost.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “shuttle” mean?

A tool used to carry the woof back and forth between the warp threads on a loom.

Is “shuttle” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.