1 A2 informal
To cause an animal to leave by making sounds or gestures, without physically touching it
"She shooed away the pigeons that had gathered around her bench."
separable
shoo away
B1 informal separable transitive
To make a person, animal, or annoyance go away by gesturing or making sounds
In plain English
To get rid of something or someone by waving your hands or saying 'shoo!'
What does "shoo away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To dismiss a person in a casual or slightly condescending way, signalling that they are not wanted
"The manager shooed away the junior staff so the executives could talk privately."
separable
Usage tip
Most commonly used with animals (birds, insects, cats). When used with people, it sounds dismissive or slightly rude. The gesture is usually a flapping or waving motion of the hand.
Words that pair with "shoo away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
birds flies children insects cats tourists
How to conjugate "shoo away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shoo away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shoos away
he/she/it
Past simple
shooed away
yesterday
Past participle
shooed away
have + pp
-ing form
shooing away
continuous
Hear "shoo away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shoo away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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