off the shelf
1 of 2phrase
: available from stock : not made to order
off the shelf equipment
: available as a stock item : not specially designed or custom-made
off-the-shelf software
Examples of off the shelf in a Sentence
Adjective
she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine
Recent Examples on the Web
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
Yet Frampton’s concept does apply, even in our city of off-the-shelf towers.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026
Powering the rear wheels is an off-the-shelf 200-kW Yamaha Motor, 400-volt e-axle with inverter, reduction gear, and permanent-magnet synchronous motor all-in-one.
—New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
The little satellites use a multiple of 10- by 10- by 10-centimeter units—which allows manufacturers to develop their batteries, solar panels, computers, and other parts as off-the-shelf components.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off the shelf
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Adjective
Micross designed the device as a commercial off-the-shelf solution.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026
Yet Frampton’s concept does apply, even in our city of off-the-shelf towers.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026
Powering the rear wheels is an off-the-shelf 200-kW Yamaha Motor, 400-volt e-axle with inverter, reduction gear, and permanent-magnet synchronous motor all-in-one.
—New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
The little satellites use a multiple of 10- by 10- by 10-centimeter units—which allows manufacturers to develop their batteries, solar panels, computers, and other parts as off-the-shelf components.
—Joanna Goodrich, IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off the shelf
Cite this Entry
“Off the shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20shelf. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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