bookshelf

noun

book·​shelf ˈbu̇k-ˌshelf How to pronounce bookshelf (audio)
: an open shelf for holding books

Examples of bookshelf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Quinn placed hers in her living room on top of an olive green bookshelf. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026 This weekend, book lovers don't need to come up with excuses to visit their favorite local bookstores, adding new books to their ever-growing bookshelves (and TBR pile). Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026 Wooden bookshelves covered the wall on the right. Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026 The larger workspace is accessed by a single door and contains a desk and bookshelves, along with a small wood-burning stove and a mini-split air-conditioning system. Adam Williams march 15, New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bookshelf

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bookshelf was in 1648

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Cite this Entry

“Bookshelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bookshelf. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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