\ ˈshāp 
\
\shaped; shaping
Definition of shape
(Entry 1 of 2)
3 : to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
5a : 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
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 upthe summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record
shape
nounDefinition of shape (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : 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
3a : 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
our plans are taking shape
5 : a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
7 : the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time
the car was in fine shape
in shape
: in an original, normal, or fit condition
exercises to keep in shape
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Other Words from shape
Verb
shaper noun
Noun
shaped \ ˌshāpt \ adjective
\ adjectiveSynonyms for shape
Synonyms: Verb
- acclimate,
- acclimatize,
- accommodate,
- adapt,
- adjust,
- condition,
- conform,
- doctor,
- edit,
- fashion,
- fit,
- put,
- suit,
- tailor
Synonyms: Noun
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Plus) This five-part series highlights the natural forces that shape our environment and its inhabitants.
—
Washington Post, "What to watch on Monday: ‘A Perfect Planet’ on Discovery Plus," 4 Jan. 2021 Lying expertly unravels the small but weighty interactions that shape us.
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The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, "The 15 Best Books of 2020," 24 Dec. 2020 An attending physician responded with advice that would shape her professional outlook.
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Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, "As COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Alaska, the state’s top doctor reflects on ‘a big changing point’ in pandemic," 22 Dec. 2020 Ten world-premiere American documentaries that illuminate the ideas, people and events that shape the present day.
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Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, "Here’s what’s screening at the Sundance Film Festival 2021," 15 Dec. 2020 Biden traveled to Georgia to campaign for Democratic senatorial candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock ahead of twin runoff races that will undoubtedly shape his administration.
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Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner, "Biden knocks Georgia GOP candidates Perdue and Loeffler for their support of Trump," 15 Dec. 2020 The elections are demonstrating that there have been many groups of people that have been ready to be a part of the conversations that shape institutional change.
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New York Times, "The Blue Flame of ‘Hotlanta’," 12 Dec. 2020 Traditional coil innerspring construction mattresses have evolved, and modern mattresses offer advanced foam materials that can literally shape around our bodies.
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Eric Alt, Popular Science, "Best mattress for your body and budget: Five things to consider," 8 Dec. 2020 Intransigence and comity alike are performances staged atop the skewed political structures that actually shape substantive outcomes.
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Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, "Congress’s Theater of Compromise and the Death of Covid Relief," 8 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Day after day, Lyles played three-on-three either after practice or during warmups to keep in game shape.
—
Tom Orsborn, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio Spurs’ Trey Lyles earns praise for being ready to go Sunday night," 11 Jan. 2021 Phrases sometimes needed more expressive shape and direction, although the ensemble lent a nice graceful lilt to folksy dances.
—
Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, "Review: Violinist Stefan Jackiw exuded refined nobility at Fort Worth Symphony concert," 9 Jan. 2021 While the Supreme Court hears only about 100 to 150 cases annually, the 13 federal appeals courts around the country hear thousands of the most consequential cases every year that shape laws and affect the rights of millions of Americans.
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Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY, "Trump's judicial appointments will impact LGBTQ rights far beyond presidency, group says," 5 Jan. 2021 Utensil drawers are typically chaotic because, well, utensils come in every shape and size.
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Courtney Thompson, CNN Underscored, "35 products to organize every corner of your home," 5 Jan. 2021 Hers was in black, and the shape was decidedly more structured, too.
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Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Katie Holmes Revives the Baker Boy Cap," 5 Jan. 2021 The logo, 18 months in the making, replaces the oval, pill-like shape that had enclosed the Pfizer name since 1948 with a helix design to the left of the company name.
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Alexandra Bruell, WSJ, "Pfizer Introduces New Logo Playing Up Role in Drug Creation," 5 Jan. 2021 The shape can affect how well the suspenders stay on your shoulders, so choose what's best for you.
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The Editors, Field & Stream, "3 Keys to Buying a Pair of Men’s Suspenders," 5 Jan. 2021 But more than faces, the detailed shape of our bodies can feel revealing and personal.
—
Washington Post, "For Amazon’s $25 custom T-shirt, your body is a wonderland (of data)," 5 Jan. 2021
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shape.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for shape
shape
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of shape
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to give a particular form or shape to (something) : to work with (a material) in order to make something from it
: to influence the development of (something) : to help (something) become what it is
: to make (something, such as a plan) by a process of careful thought
shape
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of shape (Entry 2 of 2)
: the form or outline of an object
: the condition of something or someone
: a physically strong and healthy condition
See the full definition for shape in the English Language Learners Dictionary
shape
verb\ ˈshāp \
\shaped; shaping
Kids Definition of shape
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : to give a certain form or shape to
Shape the dough into loaves.
2 : to plan out : devise We shaped a winning strategy.
3 : to have great influence on the development of
Teachers help shape the minds of future leaders.
shape up
1 : to develop in a particular way
This is shaping up to be an exciting trip.
2 : to improve in behavior or condition
shape
nounKids Definition of shape (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : outward appearance : the form or outline of something
the shape of a pear circles, squares, and other shapes
2 : definite arrangement and form
The plan is finally taking shape.
3 : condition entry 1 sense 1 The car is in poor shape.
4 : a physically fit condition
She keeps in shape by exercising.
shape
transitive verb\ ˈshāp \
\shaped; shaping
Medical Definition of shape
: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
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Comments on shape
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Time Traveler for shape
The first known use of shape was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century