Definition of shelf
1a : 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 best sellers
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
off the shelf on the shelf
: available from stock : not made to order
off the shelf equipment
: in a state of inactivity or uselessness
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Time Traveler for shelf
The first known use of shelf was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century