shute

noun

less common spelling of chute

1

a

: fall sense 6b

b

: a quick descent (as in a river) : rapid

2

: an inclined plane, sloping channel, or passage down or through which things may pass : slide

3

: parachute

4

: spinnaker

Browse Nearby Words

shutdown

shute

Shute

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shute. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

shute

variant of chute

Biographical Definition

Shute

biographical name

ˈshüt

Nev*il ˈne-vəl

1899–1960 pseudonym of Nevil Shute Norway English aeronautical engineer and writer in Australia

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deliquesce

Listen to the pronunciation of deliquesce

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds