ˈʃædəʊ
ˈʃædoʊdark shape
1 [countable] the dark shape that somebody/something's form makes on a surface, for example on the ground, when they are between the light and the surfaceThe children were having fun, chasing each other's shadows.The ship's sail cast a shadow on the water.The shadows lengthened as the sun went down. (figurative) He didn't want to cast a shadow on (= spoil) their happiness.darkness
2 [uncountable] also shadows [plural] darkness in a place or on something, especially so that you cannot easily see who or what is thereHis face was deep in shadow, turned away from her.I thought I saw a figure standing in the shadows.small amount
3 [singular] shadow of something a very small amount of somethingSynonym
hintA shadow of a smile touched his mouth.She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt (= with no doubt at all) that he was lying.influence
4 [singular] shadow of somebody/something the strong (usually bad) influence of somebody/somethingThe new leader wants to escape from the shadow of his predecessor.These people have been living for years under the shadow of fear.under eyes
5 shadows [plural] dark areas under somebody's eyes, because they are tired, etcShe looked pale, with deep shadows under her eyes.somebody that follows somebody
6 [countable] a person or an animal that follows somebody else all the timesomething not real
7 [countable] a thing that is not real or possible to obtainYou can't spend all your life chasing shadows.Idioms
be frightened/nervous/scared of your own shadow
to be very easily frightened; to be very nervous
in/under the shadow of
1 very close toThe new market is in the shadow of the City Hall.2 when you say that somebody is in/under the shadow of another person, you mean that they do not receive as much attention as that personA younger son often lives in the shadow of his elder brother.
Usage note: shade / shadowShade [U] is an area or a part of a place that is protected from the heat of the sun and so is darker and cooler: Let’s sit in the shade for a while.A shadow [C] is the dark shape made when a light shines on a person or an object: As the sun went down we cast long shadows on the lawn.Shadow [U] is an area of darkness in which it is difficult to distinguish things easily: Her face was in deep shadow.