1 C1 neutral
To distribute a powdered or granular substance over food or a surface by shaking it from a container.
"Shake the parmesan over the pasta just before serving."
inseparable
shake over
C1 neutral inseparable transitive
To distribute a substance over a surface by shaking it from a container.
In plain English
To shake something like salt or sugar onto food so it spreads over the top.
What does "shake over" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To shake a container so that its contents fall over and onto a surface below.
Actually means
To shake something like salt or sugar onto food so it spreads over the top.
Usage tip
Relatively uncommon as a codified phrasal verb. More likely to be encountered in recipe instructions. Often interchangeable with 'sprinkle over' or 'shake onto'. Not widely listed in major dictionaries as a distinct entry.
Words that pair with "shake over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
salt sugar pepper cheese powder seasoning
How to conjugate "shake over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shake over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shakes over
he/she/it
Past simple
shook over
yesterday
Past participle
shaken over
have + pp
-ing form
shaking over
continuous
Hear "shake over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shake over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.