Pronunciation: /ʃæft/

Definitions of shaft

noun a long, narrow part or section forming the handle of a tool or the body of a spear or arrow

Example Sentences

A1 The miner descended into the dark shaft to extract coal.

A2 The elevator shaft was out of order, so we had to take the stairs.

B1 The mechanic inspected the shaft of the engine to ensure it was functioning properly.

B2 The archaeologist discovered a hidden shaft leading to an ancient tomb.

C1 The industrial designer created a new type of shaft for the machinery, increasing efficiency.

C2 The architect incorporated a glass shaft into the design of the skyscraper, allowing natural light to flood the interior.

verb to push or hit something with a long, narrow object

Example Sentences

A1 He shafted the arrow into the target.

A2 She shafted the key into the lock and turned it.

B1 The mechanic shafted the new gear into place.

B2 The carpenter shafted the screw into the wood with precision.

C1 The engineer shafted the support beam into position for the bridge construction.

C2 The skilled artisan shafted the blade into the hilt to create a beautiful sword.

Examples of shaft in a Sentence

formal The mechanical engineer designed a new shaft for the industrial machine.

informal Make sure you oil the shaft on the garage door so it doesn't squeak.

slang I can't believe he got shafted out of his promotion again.

figurative She felt like she was at the bottom of a deep shaft with no way out.

Grammatical Forms of shaft

past tense

shafted

plural

shafts

comparative

more shafted

superlative

most shafted

present tense

shaft

future tense

will shaft

perfect tense

have shafted

continuous tense

is shafting

singular

shaft

positive degree

shaft

infinitive

to shaft

gerund

shafting

participle

shafted

Origin and Evolution of shaft

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'shaft' originated from the Old English word 'sceaft', which referred to a long, slender piece of wood or metal.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'shaft' expanded its meaning to include various long, slender objects such as the shaft of a spear or arrow, the shaft of a column, and later on, the long narrow part of a machine or tool.