Shuffle: meaning, definitions and examples

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shuffle

[ ˈʃʌfəl ]

Verb / Noun

^{Context #1 | Verb}

playing cards

Shuffle means to mix up a deck of playing cards by randomly interchanging the positions of the cards. It is a common practice before starting a card game to ensure fairness and randomness.

Synonyms

jumble, mix, stir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shuffle	In addition to the context provided above, can also describe the movement of feet in a dragging manner. He shuffled his feet nervously during the interview. The old man shuffled across the room.
mix	Applicable when combining ingredients, elements, or items together to create a new blend or to evenly distribute them. Mix the flour and sugar together before adding the eggs. She likes to mix different styles of music.
jumble	Use for situations where things are mixed together in a messy or chaotic way. The box was full of a jumble of old toys and clothes. I can't find anything in this jumble of papers.
stir	Most often used when talking about moving a liquid or substance gently in circular motions, also can indicate causing agitation or movement. Stir the soup until it starts to boil. The news of the scandal stirred a lot of emotions in the community.

Examples of usage

After shuffling the cards, the dealer handed them out to the players.
Don't forget to shuffle the deck before each round of the game.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

rearranging

To shuffle can also mean to rearrange things in a random or disorganized manner. It is often used to describe mixing up or changing the order of items.

Synonyms

jumble, mix-up, rearrange.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shuffle	Used when talking about mixing cards or rearranging items in a casual or random manner. He shuffled the deck of cards before dealing She shuffled the papers on her desk
mix-up	Implying a mistake or confusion where things are arranged incorrectly or chaotically. This has a negative connotation. There was a mix-up with the hotel reservations The files got mixed-up and now we can't find the important document
rearrange	Used when organizing or adjusting the order or layout of items in a deliberate and thoughtful way. She decided to rearrange the furniture in her living room The manager asked to rearrange the agenda for the meeting
jumble	Typically refers to a confused or disordered arrangement of items. Often used with a negative connotation. The drawer was a jumble of old receipts and letters His thoughts were a jumble after the long day

Examples of usage

She shuffled the papers on her desk looking for the right document.
The librarian had to shuffle the books on the shelf to make space for new arrivals.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

dance

In the context of dance, a shuffle is a basic step that involves sliding or dragging the feet on the floor. It is commonly used in various styles of dance, including tap dance and hip-hop.

Synonyms

drag, slide, step.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shuffle	This word is commonly used to describe a slow, dragging movement of the feet, often without lifting them fully off the ground. It can also refer to rearranging items, like cards, in a random order. The old man shuffled along the sidewalk with a cane. Please shuffle the cards before dealing them.
step	Step is used to describe a deliberate movement of lifting and placing the foot in a new position. It's also used metaphorically in processes, sequences, or procedures. He stepped over the puddle carefully. The first step in solving the problem is to understand it.
slide	Slide is used when something moves smoothly over a surface. It can be literal, like sliding down a slide, or more abstract, like sliding into a conversation. The kids were having fun sliding down the water slide. She slid into the conversation with a witty remark.
drag	Drag is generally used to describe pulling something along the ground, often with effort. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is tedious or exhausting. It has a slightly negative connotation. He had to drag the heavy suitcase up the stairs. The meeting was such a drag that I almost fell asleep.

Examples of usage

The dance instructor taught us a simple shuffle step to start the routine.
He added a shuffle to the choreography to give it a more dynamic feel.

Translations

Translations of the word "shuffle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embaralhar

🇮🇳 फेरबदल करना

🇩🇪 mischen

🇮🇩 mengocok

🇺🇦 перемішувати

🇵🇱 tasować

🇯🇵 シャッフルする (シャッフルする)

🇫🇷 mélanger

🇪🇸 barajar

🇹🇷 karıştırmak

🇰🇷 섞다 (섞다)

🇸🇦 خلط

🇨🇿 míchat

🇸🇰 miešať

🇨🇳 洗牌 (xǐ pái)

🇸🇮 mešati

🇮🇸 blanda saman

🇰🇿 араластыру

🇬🇪 გარევა

🇦🇿 qarışdırmaq

🇲🇽 barajar

Etymology

The word 'shuffle' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'sceofl', meaning 'shovel'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the act of mixing or shifting objects, eventually leading to its current meanings related to mixing cards, rearranging items, and dance steps.

See also: reshuffle, reshuffling, shuffling.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,578, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19575 yawned
19576 tacked
19577 basil
19578 shuffle
19579 morsel
19580 warts
19581 visage
...