1. 1. The joint connecting the arm with the torso.
   2. The part of the human body between the neck and upper arm.
2. 1. The joint of a vertebrate animal that connects the forelimb to the trunk.
   2. The part of an animal near this joint.
   3. The part of a bird's wing between the wrist and the trunk.
3. The area of the back from one shoulder to the other. Often used in the plural.
4. A cut of meat including the joint of the foreleg and adjacent parts.
5. The portion of a garment that covers the shoulder.
6. An angled or sloping part, as:
   1. The angle between the face and flank of a bastion in a fortification.
   2. The area between the body and neck of a bottle or vase.
7. The area of an item or object that serves as an abutment or surrounds a projection, as:
   1. The end surface of a board from which a tenon projects.
   2. Printing. The flat surface on the body of type that extends beyond the letter or character.
8. The edge or border running on either side of a roadway.

1. To carry or place (a burden, for example) on the shoulders.
2. To take on; assume: shouldered the blame for his friends.
3. To push or apply force to, with or as if with the shoulder.
4. To make (one's way) by or as if by shoving obstacles with one's shoulders.

1. To push with the shoulders.
2. To make one's way by or as if by shoving obstacles with one's shoulders.

put (one's) shoulder to the wheel

1. To apply oneself vigorously; make a concentrated effort.

1. In close proximity; side by side.
2. In close cooperation.

1. Delivered directly from the shoulder. Used of a punch.
2. Honestly; candidly.

[Middle English shulder, from Old English sculdor.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.