1a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface:trees cast long shadows
[mass noun] partial or complete darkness, especially as produced in this way:the north side of the cathedral was deep in shadow (shadows)a stranger slowly approached from the shadows
[mass noun] the shaded part of a picture.
a dark patch or area on a surface:her face was pale and there were shadows under her eyes
a region of opacity on a radiograph:shadows on his lungs
2used in reference to proximity, ominous oppressiveness, or sadness and gloom:the shadow of war fell across Europeonly one shadow lay over Sally’s life
used in reference to something insubstantial or fleeting:a freedom that was more shadow than substance
used in reference to a position of relative inferiority or obscurity:he lived in the shadow of his father
[with negative] the slightest trace of something:she knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was lying
a weak or inferior remnant or version of something:this fine-looking, commanding man had become a shadow of his former self
an expression of perplexity or sadness:a shadow crossed Maria’s face
3an inseparable attendant or companion:her faithful shadow, a Yorkshire terrier called Heathcliffe
a person secretly following and observing another:no matter where Johnson went, his shadow stayed with him
a person that accompanies someone in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job.
[usually as modifier]British the opposition counterpart of a government minister or ministry:the shadow Chancellor
1envelop in shadow; cast a shadow over:the market is shadowed by St Margaret’s churcha hood shadowed her face
2follow and observe (someone) closely and secretly:he had been up all night shadowing a team of poachers
British (of an opposition politician) be the counterpart of (a government minister or a ministry):he formerly helped to shadow the Foreign Office
accompany (someone) in their daily activities at work in order to gain experience at or insight into a job:the placement might involve shadowing a manager
