Shoulder: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the joint connecting your arm to your torso. It also implies the part of the body around this joint.

• She put her bag over her shoulder.
• He injured his shoulder during the match.

Refers to the entire upper limb from the shoulder to the wrist. It can be used to talk about both the upper and lower parts including the elbow.

• He lifted the box with both arms.
• The baby grabbed his father's arm.

Refers to the part of the arm between the shoulder and the elbow. This term is used to be more specific than just 'arm'.

• He got a bruise on his upper arm.
• The nurse injected the vaccine into her upper arm.

Used when specifically referring to the flat bones located on the upper back, also known as scapulae.

• She felt a sharp pain near her shoulder blade.
• The tattoo covered his entire shoulder blade.

Similar use as the first 'shoulder', emphasizing taking on responsibilities.

• They shouldered the blame for the team's failure.
• We must shoulder the duty to protect our planet.

Use when someone endures a difficult situation, often implying it is heavy or hard to cope with.

• She had to bear the pain of losing her friend.
• The workers could hardly bear the harsh working conditions.

Use when someone physically or figuratively transports something from one place to another, be it responsibilities, burdens, or objects.

• She had to carry all the groceries by herself.
• He carries the weight of his past mistakes wherever he goes.

Use when someone agrees to receive or take something, whether it's a responsibility, a gift, or a situation.

• She accepted the job offer with gratitude.
• He accepted his fate with dignity.