What does shoulder mean?
A shoulder is the body part where the upper arm meets the torso, forming a highly mobile joint that allows the arm to move in many directions. The word also has an important figurative use: to shoulder a burden, duty, or responsibility is to take it on, usually voluntarily and often under difficult circumstances. In expressions such as “a shoulder to cry on” and “look over one’s shoulder,” it can refer to support, vigilance, or concern about what lies ahead. “Shoulder” can also mean an opportunity or opening, particularly in the phrase “a shoulder to get into.” The related expression “shoulder to shoulder” describes people working closely together in solidarity. In clothing, the word names the upper section of a garment that covers or rests on the shoulder. Across these uses, the term links the physical idea of bearing weight with the social idea of sharing responsibility and acting together.
The joint and surrounding structure joining the upper arm to the torso; also, figuratively, responsibility, an opportunity, or the upper part of a garment.
"The offers arrived with the opportunity to shoulder a new role."
The figurative senses are common in expressions involving responsibility, opportunity, cooperation, and support.
To push or force one's way through or into something, or to accept responsibility for a difficult task or burden.
"The new employee shouldered responsibility for the project."
The figurative use is usually transitive: “shoulder responsibility,” “shoulder the burden,” or “shoulder the blame.”
The plural is used for the two body parts and for multiple responsibilities or opportunities, though it is often used figuratively when referring collectively to responsibility.
"The shoulders of the organization carried much of the workload."
From marching side by side to sharing difficult work, the phrase “shoulder to shoulder” evokes people moving together in support of a common purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shoulder come from?
The English word comes from Old English scōldor, meaning the shoulder or the upper part of the body, and ultimately belongs to the Germanic word family for the shoulder. Related forms appear in languages including Dutch schouder, German Schulter, and Swedish skuldra. The metaphorical sense of bearing responsibility developed by analogy with physically carrying or supporting a load.
Related word forms
How shoulder is actually used
The phrase “shoulder to shoulder” means close together in cooperation or shared effort. “Shoulder” as a responsibility is usually used with verbs such as “carry,” “shoulder,” “assume,” or “accept,” and is often figurative. “Give someone the cold shoulder” means to deliberately ignore or reject them.
Easily confused with shoulder
The shoulder is the whole joint and surrounding body region, whereas the shoulder blade is the flat triangular bone in the upper back beneath it.