take shape
idiomatic phrase
: to assume a definite or distinctive form : to develop and become apparent or established
The plan is finally taking shape.
Edison's tireless work habits took shape during his childhood …—
Paul Gray
Paul GrayThe proto-planetary fragments crashed together, coalesced by gravity, and crashed again into other fragments, until they gradually took shape as the planets we know today.—M. Mitchell Waldrop
M. Mitchell Waldrop… the first half of the century, before the modern medical system took shape.—Geoffrey Cowley
Geoffrey CowleyExamples of take shape in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That vision began to take shape this winter with the opening of the Grand Hyatt.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
The partnership is taking shape during a period of dramatic changes to the tax code, and historic downsizing at the Internal Revenue Service.
—Hayden Field, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
And, as these advocates began to rack up successes, measured in new state laws and changes in public opinion, a countermovement took shape.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
The upcoming remake of sitcom Ghosts in Australia is shooting in Perth, with the cast list taking shape.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take shape
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
The partnership is taking shape during a period of dramatic changes to the tax code, and historic downsizing at the Internal Revenue Service.
—Hayden Field, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025
And, as these advocates began to rack up successes, measured in new state laws and changes in public opinion, a countermovement took shape.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
The upcoming remake of sitcom Ghosts in Australia is shooting in Perth, with the cast list taking shape.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take shape
Cite this Entry
“Take shape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20shape. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share