shortened; shortening
ˈshȯrt-niŋ 
ˈshȯr-tᵊn-iŋ
1
a
: to reduce the length or duration of
b
: to cause to seem short
2
a
: to reduce in power or efficiency
Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?—
Isaiah 50:2 (Revised Standard Version)
Isaiah 50:2 (Revised Standard Version)
b
obsolete
: to deprive of effect
3
: to add fat to (something, such as pastry dough) in order to make tender and flaky
: to become short or shorter
Examples of shorten in a Sentence
shorten a pair of pants
He had to shorten the speech.
“Franklin D. Roosevelt” is often shortened to “FDR.”
Recent Examples on the Web
In conclusion, as the time limitations to bring construction claims in Florida continue to shorten, immediate action becomes even more critical.
—Keegan A. Berry, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively affect your physical and mental health, shortening your potential lifespan.
—Sharon Basaraba, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
It was shortened and Americanized over time, which is how it became known as Alcatraz, according to the National Park Service.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Timelines shorten, decision cycles tighten, and the window between experimentation and adoption narrows.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shorten
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Keegan A. Berry, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively affect your physical and mental health, shortening your potential lifespan.
—Sharon Basaraba, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2026
It was shortened and Americanized over time, which is how it became known as Alcatraz, according to the National Park Service.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Timelines shorten, decision cycles tighten, and the window between experimentation and adoption narrows.
—Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shorten
Cite this Entry
“Shorten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorten. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shorten
verb
short·en
ˈshȯrt-ᵊn
shortened; shortening
ˈshȯrt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to make or become short or shorter
2
: to add shortening to (as pastry dough)
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