shambles

noun plural but singular or plural in construction sham·bles \ˈsham-bəlz\

: a place or state in which there is great confusion, disorder, or destruction

Full Definition of SHAMBLES

archaic : a meat market

: slaughterhouse

a : a place of mass slaughter or bloodshed <the battlefield became a shambles>

b : a scene or a state of great destruction : wreckage <the city was a shambles after the bombing>

c (1) : a scene or a state of great disorder or confusion <an economy in shambles> (2) : great confusion : mess

Origin of SHAMBLES

Middle English shameles, plural of schamel vendor's table, footstool, from Old English sceamol stool, from Latin scamillum, diminutive of scamnum stool, bench; perhaps akin to Sanskrit skambha pillar

First Known Use: 15th century

SHAMBLES Defined for Kids

shambles

noun plural sham·bles \ˈsham-bəlz\

Definition of SHAMBLES for Kids

: a place or scene of disorder or destruction <After the party, the house was a shambles.> Hint:Shambles can be used as a singular or a plural in writing and speaking.