shuttlecock

1 of 2

noun

shut·​tle·​cock ˈshə-tᵊl-ˌkäk How to pronounce shuttlecock (audio)
: a lightweight conical object with a rounded often rubber-covered nose that is used in badminton

Illustration of shuttlecock

Illustration of shuttlecock

shuttlecock

2 of 2

verb

shuttlecocked; shuttlecocking; shuttlecocks

transitive verb

: to send or toss to and fro : bandy

Examples of shuttlecock in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The mod detail did well to highlight the diamond brooch shaped like a badminton shuttlecock on her left shoulder. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025 On this particular evening, a duo volleyed a badminton shuttlecock back and forth, and women took photos in front of colorful flowerbeds. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 22 Apr. 2026 This enables the bot to accurately intercept the shuttlecock, while also moving quickly and without losing its balance. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025 In addition to unusual shuttlecock pink and white blooms, its outstanding characteristic is a spreading umbrella form that quickly creates shade below its canopy. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shuttlecock

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1522, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shuttlecock was in 1522

Rhymes for shuttlecock

See All Rhymes for shuttlecock

Browse Nearby Words

shuttle box
shuttlecock
shuttle diplomacy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shuttlecock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shuttlecock. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shuttlecock

noun
shut·​tle·​cock
ˈshət-ᵊl-ˌkäk
: a small and very light cone-shaped object that is used in playing badminton

More from Merriam-Webster on shuttlecock

Nglish: Translation of shuttlecock for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shuttlecock

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