take shape

phrase

: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established

The plan is finally taking shape.

Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …

—Paul Gray

The proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.

—M. Mitchell Waldrop

… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.

—Geoffrey Cowley

Examples of take shape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the spa isn't expected to debut until fall 2026, the wellness program is already taking shape. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

This fall’s New York Comedy Festival is taking shape with some big-name headliners. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

Construction began in 2023, with Zero taking shape over three years of intense work. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

The race to determine who will replace Graham Platner as Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee is beginning to take shape, after a stream of candidates stormed the race to take his place on the ballot. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take shape

• cityscape
• agape
• escape
• landscape
• lenape
• reshape
• seascape
• soundscape
• ape
• cape
• crape
• crepe