shillelagh

noun

shil·​le·​lagh shə-ˈlā-lē How to pronounce shillelagh (audio)
variants or less commonly shillalah
Synonyms of shillelaghnext
: cudgel

Synonyms

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Examples of shillelagh in a Sentence

the bartender in the Irish pub keeps a shillelagh behind the bar just in case there's trouble
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The original shillelagh was retired with a new one introduced in 1997. — Tom Layberger, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 There are fleas and chamber pots and thumbed noses and a St. Patrick’s Day picnic that — hold on to your shillelagh! — Dan Barry, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Shillelagh, town in Ireland

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shillelagh was in 1772

Browse Nearby Words

shillelagh
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Cite this Entry

“Shillelagh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shillelagh. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Etymology

named for Shillelagh, a town in Ireland noted for its oak trees

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