shower

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'shower' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of bath where a person stands under a spray of water or in relation to a gift given at a special occasion. Here is an example sentence: We went to the store to buy supplies for the baby shower.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's no difference in the shower and when you do the washing up it's still boiling hot.

The Guardian

But what if 2 Guns isn't only about Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg shooting guns in a shower of money?

The Guardian - Film

This book, in combination with Sheldon's shower curtain in The Big Bang Theory, taught my son everything he knows about the elements of the periodic table.

The Guardian

Seventy thousand devotees go crazy, and shower him with the kind of ear-splitting applause that is usually reserved for film stars, rock stars and royalty.

The Guardian - Film

The wonder of a meteor shower, for instance, is reflected in an arrangement of bright golden leaves that resemble stars in a patch of shadowy woodland.

The Guardian - Arts

When I reach my destination, I hang my clothes outside a hot shower to get any creases out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A fantastic player and a lovely, lovely person, the most gentle gentleman.' An hour after our first meeting, his team having been soundly beaten by the beach-football world champions from Brazil, Cantona re-emerges from the shower.

The Guardian - Sport

He was subjected to "48 hours of sleep deprivation, auditory overload, total darkness, isolation, a cold shower and rough treatment".

The Guardian

The great Leonid meteor shower was passing overhead.

The Guardian - Arts

At home, I take these little bottles into the shower and decant them into larger bottles (I just have to be careful so my wife and kids don't notice a change in the smell).

The Guardian

Tea or coffee and the opportunity to take a shower will be offered in the morning.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts related to bathing, differentiate between "taking a shower" (the act) and "a shower" (the fixture or device).

Common error

Avoid using "shower" interchangeably with "bath". A shower involves standing or sitting under a spray of water, while a bath involves immersing oneself in a tub of water. Be precise in your language to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "shower" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a device for bathing or a brief period of precipitation. It can also function as a verb, meaning to bathe using a shower or to bestow liberally, aligning with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

19%

Less common in

Sport

9%

Arts

6%

Money

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "shower" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, as confirmed by Ludwig. It commonly functions as a noun or verb, referring to a device for bathing, a brief period of precipitation, or an act of bestowing generously. Its usage is very common, particularly in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning depends heavily on the context. Ludwig's examples show diverse applications, from describing weather patterns to discussing personal hygiene and social events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a shower

Focuses specifically on the act of bathing using a shower.

rain shower

Emphasizes the brief and light nature of the precipitation.

shower bath

A more formal or technical term for shower.

cascade of water

Highlights the flowing and abundant nature of the water.

deluge

Implies a heavy and overwhelming downpour.

torrent

Suggests a strong and forceful flow.

lavish gifts

Emphasizes the abundance and generosity of the presents.

pour down

Focuses on the action of rain falling heavily.

bestow generously

Highlights the act of giving freely and abundantly.

drizzle

Refers to a light and fine rain.

FAQs

How can I use "shower" in a sentence?

You can use "shower" to describe a brief period of rain, as in "There will be scattered showers this afternoon". Alternatively, it can refer to the act of washing oneself under a spray of water, such as "I'm going to take a shower".

What can I say instead of "take a shower"?

You can use alternatives like "wash up", "rinse off", or "cleanse oneself" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shower" or "shower bath"?

Both "shower" and "shower bath" are correct, but "shower" is more commonly used in everyday language. "Shower bath" is a slightly more formal or technical term.

What's the difference between "shower" and "bath"?

"Shower" refers to washing oneself under a spray of water, while "bath" involves sitting or lying in a tub filled with water. They are different methods of washing.