shelve

verb

ˈshelv 

shelved; shelving

transitive verb

1

: to furnish with shelves

2

: to place on a shelf

shelve books

3

a

: to remove from active service

b

: to put off or aside

shelve a project

intransitive verb

: to slope in a formation like a shelf

shelver noun

Synonyms of shelve

• postpone
• delay
• defer

Examples of shelve in a Sentence

The books were shelved according to category.

let's shelve the project for now

Recent Examples on the Web

When a buyer failed to surface, the listing was discounted and eventually shelved. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026

The rate of development of new headsets has slowed, with many companies (including Apple) scaling back or shelving their efforts. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Lamborghini decided to shelve its plans for the electric Lanzador, an EV unveiled as a concept car in 2023, because the demand was not there. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026

Airlines have raised ticket prices and fees, trimmed schedules and shelved plans to add flights. — Cathy Bussewitz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

shelf

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for shelve

• delve
• twelve

Kids Definition

shelve

verb

ˈshelv 

shelved; shelving

1

: to place on a shelf

shelve books

2

: to put off or aside : defer

shelve a project

shelver noun