shape

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

see also:

in shape

Synonyms of shape

• health
• condition
• form

Examples of shape in a Sentence

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

Often mixed in to the beat are noisemakers like matracas – wooden objects in the shape of flags that produce a loud clacking sound when spun – and plastic horns called cornetas, which fans use to keep the matches animated from start to finish. —Michael Rios, CNN Money, 7 June 2026

Researchers found 38% more potassium inside the boat shape, which is associated with wood ash, as well as an eight-times difference in pH level. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026

The look continued a very specific Tribeca week for Holmes, who has been moving between classic shoe shapes with small construction details. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 June 2026

Keep blades in top shape by sharpening twice a year; midsummer and the end of the mowing season are a good rhythm. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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