plural shelves
ˈshelvz 
1
a
: a thin flat usually long and narrow piece of material (such as wood) fastened horizontally (as on a wall) at a distance from the floor to hold objects
b
: one of several similar pieces in a closet, bookcase, or similar structure
c
: the contents of a shelf
the author of a shelf of bestsellers
2
: something resembling a shelf in form or position: such as
a
: a sandbank or ledge of rocks usually partially submerged
b
: a flat projecting layer of rock
c
: the submerged gradually sloping border of a continent or island : continental shelf
see also:
Examples of shelf in a Sentence
Put the vase on the shelf.
the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet
Will you get that book down off the shelf?
We don't have much shelf space.
Recent Examples on the Web
None of that seemed to matter, though, when Poulin got the puck in the slot on a third-period power play and placed a perfect shot top shelf on Rooney.
—
Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
On my shelves there were light dumbbells, a yoga mat and resistance band.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Only a handful of people prepare orders from aisles of shelves in the 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot facilities, unlike the sprawling fulfillment centers storing millions of items where Amazon employs a mix of human workers and robotics to pick and pack orders.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
There are even clever cabinets and shelves on sale now, perfect for adding more storage to a small kitchen or tight laundry room.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf
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Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
On my shelves there were light dumbbells, a yoga mat and resistance band.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
Only a handful of people prepare orders from aisles of shelves in the 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot facilities, unlike the sprawling fulfillment centers storing millions of items where Amazon employs a mix of human workers and robotics to pick and pack orders.
—Anne D’innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
There are even clever cabinets and shelves on sale now, perfect for adding more storage to a small kitchen or tight laundry room.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf
Cite this Entry
“Shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shelf
noun
plural shelves
ˈshelvz
1
: a flat piece (as of wood or metal) set parallel to and above a floor (as on a wall or in a bookcase) to hold objects
2
: something (as a sandbar or ledge of rock) that suggests a shelf
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