Quick answer
Shrew means a small insect-eating mammal; historically also a bad-tempered woman. It is usually pronounced SHROO, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Shrew
Shrew means a small insect-eating mammal; historically also a bad-tempered woman. It belongs to dramatic and overblown words and works best in heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
dramaticoverblowntheatrical
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, shrew refers to a small insect-eating mammal; historically also a bad-tempered woman. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Shrew feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Shrew is generally traced to old English. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Shrew is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- A shrew can eat an astonishing amount for such a tiny creature.
- The play invites readers to question the old stereotype of the shrew.
- Naturalists noted the shrew’s speed and nervous energy.
- The article explains why calling someone a shrew now sounds archaic and harsh.
When should you use this word?
Use shrew when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish.
Similar words
Small mammal, Scold, Termagant, Vixen
Opposite or contrasting words
Gentle person, Quiet figure, Calm temperament
Common questions
- What does shrew mean? A small insect-eating mammal; historically also a bad-tempered woman.
- How do you pronounce shrew? It is commonly pronounced SHROO.
- Is shrew still used today? Shrew is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use shrew? Use shrew when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in heightened narration, theatrical criticism, and writing that enjoys a bit of flourish.
- What words are similar to shrew? Similar words include Small mammal, Scold, Termagant, and Vixen.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.