open-shelf

adjective

: of, used in, or constituting a system of library organization in which books are so shelved as to permit direct examination and selection by patrons

an open-shelf room

the open-shelf idea

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!