What does shrew mean?
A shrew is a small, mouse-like mammal with a pointed snout, tiny eyes, and a long, flexible tail. Shrews belong to a distinct family of mammals rather than being true mice, and most have an energetic, insectivorous lifestyle. The word can also refer to a sharp-tempered or quarrelsome woman, especially in older literature, although this use is now mainly derogatory or theatrical. In modern general usage, the animal meaning is by far the most common, so “shrew” is usually understood as a name for a small, long-snouted mammal. Its figurative sense has nevertheless remained memorable because it presents a tiny creature as a model of fierceness. The related adjective “shrewish” means ill-natured or bad-tempered and is now chiefly encountered in archaic or literary contexts.
A small, mouse-like, insect-eating mammal with a pointed snout and long, slender tail.
"The shrew fed on beetles and other insects beneath the grass."
This is the usual modern meaning and is used in both British and American English.
A woman who is regarded as sharp-tempered, quarrelsome, or malicious.
"The story portrays her as a shrew who clashes with everyone around her."
Chiefly dated, literary, or derogatory; it is now used mainly for effect or in a humorous exaggeration.
The standard plural is used for the animal and, in the figurative sense, for women described as shrews.
"Several shrews forage in the garden after dark."
The word “shrew” can describe both a tiny insect-hunting mammal and a person considered difficult or ill-tempered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shrew come from?
The word comes through Middle English shrewe from Old English scrēawa, the name for a small, mouse-like mammal. The animal name is Germanic in origin and is related to names for shrews in other Germanic languages. The figurative sense for a harsh or contentious woman developed later by association with the animal's perceived ferocity.
Related word forms
How shrew is actually used
The animal sense is standard in modern English. The sense meaning a difficult or spiteful woman is now largely literary, dated, and derogatory; “shrewish” has a similar dated and strongly negative tone.
Easily confused with shrew
A shrew is a noun naming a small mammal or, figuratively, a sharp-tempered woman, whereas shrewd is an adjective meaning astute or clever.