Definition

A person who cuts the wool off sheep using special tools called shears.

Example

The shearer worked quickly to remove the wool from the sheep before the rain started.

Conversation

Have you ever met a shearer before?

No, I haven't! What do they do exactly?

They remove the wool from sheep during the shearing season.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know there was a special job for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Shearer** → The word 'shearer' comes from the Old English 'scearere', which is derived from 'scear' (meaning to cut or shear) and the agent suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A shearer is a person who cuts or shears, particularly in the context of sheep shearing.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'cuts' ('scear') and is a 'person' ('-er') doing that action — that's why a shearer is someone who shears.

Visually Confused Words