shape

1 of 2

verb

ˈshāp 

shaped; shaping

transitive verb

1

: form, create

especially : to give a particular form or shape to

2

obsolete : ordain, decree

3

: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely

a dress shaped to her figure

4

a

: devise, plan

shape a policy

b

: to embody in definite form

shaping a folktale into an epic

5

a

: to make fit for (a particular use, purpose, etc.) : adapt

shape the questions to fit the answers

b

: to determine or direct the course or character of

events that shaped history

c

: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response

intransitive verb

1

: to come to pass : happen

it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands

—Leslie Marmon Silko

2

: to take on or approach a mature or definite form

—often used with up

the summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record

shaper noun

shape

2 of 2

noun

plural shapes

1

a

: the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item

a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree

b(1)

: spatial form or contour

the clouds kept changing shape

(2)

: a standard or universally recognized spatial form

a stain in the shape of a perfect circle

2

: the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure

3

a

: phantom, apparition

eerie shapes floating in the mist

b

: assumed appearance : guise

a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin

4

: form of embodiment

The plan is starting to come into shape.

see also take shape

5

: a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features

6

: a molded dessert

especially : blancmange

7

: the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time

the car was in fine shape

shaped

ˌshāpt 

adjective

Phrases

in shape

: in an original, normal, or fit condition

exercises to keep in shape

Synonyms

Verb

• acclimate
• acclimatize
• accommodate
• adapt
• adjust
• condition
• conform
• doctor
• edit
• fashion
• fit
• put
• suit
• tailor

Noun

• condition
• estate
• fettle
• form
• health
• keeping
• kilter
• nick [British]
• order
• repair
• trim

Examples of shape in a Sentence

Verb

The artist shaped the stone with a hammer and chisel.

Schools shape the minds of future leaders.

Ads help shape public opinion.

Noun

circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric shapes

The cake has a rectangular shape.

The pieces came in many different sizes and shapes.

The pieces were sorted by size and shape.

The cloud kept changing shape.

The cake was rectangular in shape.

I need to start exercising and get back in shape.

I'm out of shape because I haven't been exercising.

The players were in poor condition, but the coach quickly whipped them into shape.

She stays in shape by exercising daily and eating well.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In 2023, Francis brought the American back to Rome to lead that office — which vetted candidates to become bishops — one of the most important ways to shape the future of the church. —Mitra Taj, New York Times, 17 May 2025

Pagnol also helped shape film policy in France by introducing essentially a tariff on American films. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025

Noun

While the Trump administration is defending the ACA law in the case in question, should the federal government win, the precise shape preventive care coverage requirements will take depends on the discretion of Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

Consider this weekend our first warm-up for the W, the initial stretch to get our eyes and minds back into game-watching shape. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing shape

• bent out of shape
• in any way, shape, or form
• In no way shape or form
• in shape
• in the shape of
• lick into shape
• out of shape
• shape note
• shape-shifter
• shape up
• take shape
• take the shape of
• the shape of things to come
• whip into shape

Rhymes for shape

• ape
• cape
• crape
• crepe
• drape
• gape
• grape
• pape
• rape
• scape
• scrape
• snape

Kids Definition

shape

1 of 2 verb

ˈshāp 

shaped; shaping

1

: to give a certain form or shape to

shape the dough into loaves

2

: to change in shape so as to fit neatly and closely

a hat shaped close to the head

3

: devise sense 1, plan

4

: to make fit especially for some purpose

shaping the minds of future leaders

5

: to take on or approach a definite form

—often used with up

shaper noun

shape

2 of 2 noun

1

: outward appearance : form

the shape of a pearl

2

: the outline of a body : figure

a square shape

3

: definite form and arrangement

a plan now taking shape

4

: something having a certain form

5

: the condition in which something or someone is at a certain time

the car was in poor shape

shaped

ˌshāpt 

adjective

Medical Definition

shape

transitive verb

ˈshāp 

shaped; shaping

: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response