shelf

noun

ˈshelf 

plural shelves ˈshelvz 

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

ˈshelf-ˌfu̇l 

noun

shelflike

ˈshelf-ˌlīk 

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

Against a dark green wall, shelves of fabric stamps are arranged in symmetrical rows. —David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025

And bottom shelf is fine with him. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Non-food-contact surfaces have accumulation of soil (cook line shelves and equipment have an accumulation of soil). —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

Rodents left dung pieces in the bun storage area (over 25); dry storage shelves (over 10); the front counter cabinet where the soda machine equipment is (over 10); and behind the air conditioning unit on the second floor (over 20). —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing shelf

• continental shelf
• ice shelf
• shelf fungus
• shelf ice
• shelf life
• shelf-stable
• sulfur shelf
• top-shelf

Rhymes for shelf

• elf
• self
• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• itself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself

Kids Definition

shelf

noun

ˈshelf 

plural shelves ˈshelvz 

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

ˈshel-ˌflīk 

adjective