Thesaurus results for SHILLELAGH

shillelagh

noun

shə-ˈlā-lē

variants also shillalah

Definition of shillelagh

as in cane

a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment the bartender in the Irish pub keeps a shillelagh behind the bar just in case there's trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shillelagh The Dogs walked out and David Finlay wrecked the door with the shillelagh. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2026 McDonagh had some help from Finn Balor, who hit Sheamus with a shillelagh when the referee was distracted. — Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025 Kelly professionalized a program that kept tripping over its own shillelagh. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025 Maier, who was heading out of town that weekend for a meeting of the National League of Cities, saw the foot-long shillelagh and, according to a Milwaukee Sentinel story by Marta Bender, mistook it for a pipe. — Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025 The original shillelagh was retired with a new one introduced in 1997. — Tom Layberger, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shillelagh

Noun

As for full-body treatments, the Prickly Pear Sugar Scrub draws on Sonoran Desert botanicals like prickly pear and calendula extract, combined with cane-sugar-rich oils and hydrating body butter, for a thoroughly rejuvenating exfoliation.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
That resident could be seen later walking with a cane after taking that leap of faith from his third-floor window.

— Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of cane

Noun

But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
The Omaha Police Department said officers will continue to carry tasers, batons, OC spray and firearms.

— Kathy McCormack, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of baton

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shill

shillelagh

shillelaghs

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“Shillelagh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shillelagh. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shillelagh

noun

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