shank Definition
- 1the part of the leg between the knee and ankle
- 2a cut of meat from the upper part of the front leg of an animal, typically a sheep or pig
- 3a makeshift knife or stabbing weapon
Using shank: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shank" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was hit in the shank by a stray golf ball.
Example
The lamb shank was cooked to perfection.
Example
The prisoner had fashioned a shank out of a toothbrush.
Example
She wore a tattoo of a rose on her shank.
shank Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with shank
Example
We spent the shank of the evening discussing our plans for the future.
shank's mare
one's own legs as a means of transport
Example
I don't have a car, so I'll have to rely on shank's mare to get there.
Example
In the old days, shank painters were employed to add color to stockings.
Origins of shank
from Old English 'sceanca', meaning 'leg'
Summary: shank in Brief
The term 'shank' [ʃæŋk] refers to the part of the leg between the knee and ankle, as well as a cut of meat from the upper part of an animal's front leg. It can also refer to a makeshift knife or stabbing weapon. Phrases like 'shank of the evening' and 'shank's mare' use the term to denote time and transportation, respectively.