shape

1 of 2

verb

shaped; shaping

transitive verb

1
: form, create
especially : to give a particular form or shape to
2
obsolete : ordain, decree
3
: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
4
a
: devise, plan
shape a policy
b
: to embody in definite form
shaping a folktale into an epic
5
a
: to make fit for (a particular use, purpose, etc.) : adapt
shape the questions to fit the answers
b
: to determine or direct the course or character of
events that shaped history
c
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response

intransitive verb

1
: to come to pass : happen
it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbandsLeslie Marmon Silko
2
: to take on or approach a mature or definite form
often used with up
the summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record
shaper noun

shape

2 of 2

noun

plural shapes
1
a
: the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item
a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree
b(1)
: spatial form or contour
the clouds kept changing shape
(2)
: a standard or universally recognized spatial form
a stain in the shape of a perfect circle
2
: the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure
3
a
: phantom, apparition
eerie shapes floating in the mist
b
: assumed appearance : guise
a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin
4
: form of embodiment
The plan is starting to come into shape.
see also take shape
5
: a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
6
: a molded dessert
especially : blancmange
7
: the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time
the car was in fine shape
shaped adjective
Phrases
in shape
: in an original, normal, or fit condition
exercises to keep in shape

Examples of shape in a Sentence

Verb The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel. Schools shape the minds of future leaders. Ads help shape public opinion. Noun circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes The cake has a rectangular shape. The pieces came in many different sizes and shapes. The pieces were sorted by size and shape. The cloud kept changing shape. The cake was rectangular in shape. I need to start exercising and get back in shape. I'm out of shape because I haven't been exercising. The players were in poor condition, but the coach quickly whipped them into shape. She stays in shape by exercising daily and eating well.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The evolving dynamics between corporate strategy and workforce expectations deserve careful discussion, as each will shape the path forward for industries and their workers alike. Jim Osman, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 Though there's no deathwatch beetle signaling doom, the idea of a curse still resonates because negative energy and belief in a curse can shape outcomes and influence manifestations. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024
Noun
Editor's tip: With its angled shape and bouncy feel, this brush is designed to mimic the shape of the fingertip for extra precision and better blending. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 20 Oct. 2024 Colorful garlands, twinkle lights, and pumpkins in every shape and size are just the tip of the iceberg. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shape 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shape.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shape was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near shape

Cite this Entry

“Shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shape. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

shape

1 of 2 verb
shaped; shaping
1
: to give a certain form or shape to
shape the dough into loaves
2
: to change in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a hat shaped close to the head
3
4
: to make fit especially for some purpose
shaping the minds of future leaders
5
: to take on or approach a definite form
often used with up
shaper noun

shape

2 of 2 noun
1
: outward appearance : form
the shape of a pearl
2
: the outline of a body : figure
a square shape
3
: definite form and arrangement
a plan now taking shape
4
: something having a certain form
5
: the condition in which something or someone is at a certain time
the car was in poor shape
shaped adjective

Medical Definition

shape

transitive verb
shaped; shaping
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response

More from Merriam-Webster on shape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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