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

Give one small part another try before shelving the whole activity. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

But the Hong Kong government eventually shelved its plans, and Lee felt their efforts made things a little better. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Having built his farm from just 46 hectares in 1992, Kozhukharenko has shelved expansion plans to focus on survival. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Though the congress went ahead — with many top oil executives attending virtually — the summit and investment conference were shelved till next year. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 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