Shredder: meaning, definitions and examples

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shredder

 

[ ˈʃrɛdər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

office equipment

A shredder is a machine used to cut paper into very small pieces, especially so that the information on it cannot be read by other people. Shredders are commonly used in offices to destroy sensitive documents and protect confidential information.

Synonyms

document shredder, paper chopper, paper shredder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shredder

Same as the first entry. The word 'shredder' can apply in situations where the context makes it clear what is being shredded.

  • We need a new shredder because the current one broke down.
  • Putting old tax documents through the shredder ensures they are disposed of securely.
paper shredder

This term is commonly used to specifically indicate a machine that is designed to cut paper into small pieces. It is often found in office or home-office settings.

  • Make sure to put all expired contracts through the paper shredder.
  • I bought a paper shredder for my home office to dispose of sensitive information safely.
document shredder

This phrase specifically refers to a machine designed to destroy documents. It is often used in office settings or legal contexts where destroying confidential papers is necessary for security reasons.

  • The office recently upgraded to a high-security document shredder.
  • For privacy reasons, it's important to run all sensitive paperwork through the document shredder.
paper chopper

This is an informal or less common term for a paper shredder. It might be used in casual conversation but could come across as unprofessional in a formal or business setting.

  • I borrowed my neighbor's paper chopper to clear out the old files.
  • My paper chopper jammed, so I had to finish the job by hand.

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to shred all the documents before throwing them away.
  • The office manager purchased a new shredder for the department.

Translations

Translations of the word "shredder" in other languages:

🇵🇹 triturador

🇮🇳 कतरन काटने की मशीन

🇩🇪 Aktenvernichter

🇮🇩 penghancur kertas

🇺🇦 шредер

🇵🇱 niszczarka

🇯🇵 シュレッダー

🇫🇷 déchiqueteuse

🇪🇸 trituradora

🇹🇷 parçalayıcı

🇰🇷 파쇄기

🇸🇦 مُفَتِّت

🇨🇿 skartovačka

🇸🇰 skartovačka

🇨🇳 碎纸机

🇸🇮 uničevalec dokumentov

🇮🇸 pappírstætari

🇰🇿 ұсақтағыш

🇬🇪 დაშლილი

🇦🇿 şreddar

🇲🇽 trituradora

Etymology

The word 'shredder' originated from the verb 'shred', which dates back to the late 16th century. The term 'shredder' in the context of a machine used to cut paper into small pieces became popular in the late 20th century with the increasing need for information security and confidentiality in offices and organizations.

See also: shred, shredded, shreds.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,130 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.