shelf

noun

plural shelves ˈshelvz How to pronounce shelf (audio)
1
a
: a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (such as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects
b
: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure
c
: the contents of a shelf
the author of a shelf of bestsellers
2
: something resembling a shelf in form or position: such as
a
: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged
b
: a flat projecting layer of rock
c
: the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf
shelfful noun
shelflike adjective
Phrases
off the shelf
: available from stock : not made to order
off the shelf equipment
on the shelf
: in a state of inactivity or uselessness

Examples of shelf in a Sentence

Put the vase on the shelf. the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet Will you get that book down off the shelf? We don't have much shelf space.
Recent Examples on the Web Never store your Barbie on a windowsill or shelves that directly catch the sun. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Mar. 2024 It’s often called a swap meet, but the stalls are like small stores, with permanent walls and shelves, where a customer can not only dress and accessorize head to toe but also get a manicure and a tattoo, haggling over prices to get a good deal. Ashley Ahn, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Nearby, the formal dining room is decked out with backlit Italian quartzite wall panels behind floating glass shelves, another stone fireplace, and a high-gloss lacquered ceiling with ornamental antique molding. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 But there are six other brand-new Hidden Valley flavors landing on shelves this spring for ranch-lovers to get excited about. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 An employee moved the raw chicken to a shelf with other raw chicken products. Michael Braga, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Boxes of blank ammunition were piled high on shelves, guns were leaned against the wall, and loose rounds were scattered on tables among tools and other clutter. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 The first over-the-counter birth control pill will be available on pharmacy and store shelves nationwide and online later this month, and will cost about $20 for a 30-day supply, Perrigo, its manufacturer announced on Monday. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2024 Broken tree limbs make adorable accents for plain white shelves. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shelf.' 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

Middle English, probably from Old English scylfe; akin to Old Norse hlīthskjalf Odin's seat

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near shelf

Cite this Entry

“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shelf

noun
plural shelves ˈshelvz How to pronounce shelf (audio)
1
: a flat piece (as of wood or metal) set parallel to and above a floor (as on a wall or in a bookcase) to hold objects
2
: something (as a sandbar or ledge of rock) that suggests a shelf
shelflike adjective

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