Wiktionary (5.00 / 1 vote) Rate this definition: shambles (Noun) a scene of great disorder or ruin. shambles (Noun) a great mess or clutter. This website is a shambles. shambles (Noun) a scene of bloodshed, carnage or devastation. shambles (Noun) a slaughterhouse. shambles (Noun) a butcher's shop. Origin: From scamul. A borrowing from scamellum, diminutive of scamnum.