shelving

1 of 2

noun (1)

shelv·​ing ˈshel-viŋ 

1

: a sloping surface or place

2

: the state or degree of sloping

shelving

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: material for shelves

2

: shelves

Examples of shelving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Or display cookbooks on open shelving so your collection can double as decor. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026

Its gently curved silhouette and considered material palette (think warm wood and refined metal) bring an artistic sensibility to functional shelving, proving that displaying and organizing books and other objects can be its own kind of design statement. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

The visible dancing flame of the optional Dickinson Marine Newport heater can be seen just behind that shelving unit. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026

Paint or wallpaper the shelves or choose shelving that comes in color. —Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shelving

• delving

Kids Definition

shelving

noun

shelv·​ing

ˈshel-viŋ

: material to make shelves from

also : the shelves themselves