shelve

verb

ˈshelv 

shelved; shelving

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with shelves

2

: to place on a shelf

shelve books

3

a

: to remove from active service

b

: to put off or aside

shelve a project

intransitive verb

: to slope in a formation like a shelf

shelver noun

Synonyms of shelve

• postpone
• delay
• defer

Examples of shelve in a Sentence

The books were shelved according to category.

let's shelve the project for now

Recent Examples on the Web

The practice had been shelved soon after war broke out in Ukraine a few years back but revived following consultation with fans. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Europe’s world-leading commitment to replacing carbon fuels with sources such as wind, solar and nuclear power is not about to be shelved. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

Following intense backlash and threats of a boycott, FIFA shelved it within a week. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

Spray mirrors and shelving with a simple mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

shelf

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for shelve

• delve
• twelve

Kids Definition

shelve

verb

ˈshelv 

shelved; shelving

1

: to place on a shelf

shelve books

2

: to put off or aside : defer

shelve a project

shelver noun